Gh9 endoglucanase variants and polynucleotides encoding same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to endoglucanase variants and methods for obtaining endoglucanase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a Sequence Listing in computer readable form, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to novel GH9 endoglucanase variants exhibiting alterations relative to the parent GH9 endoglucanase in one or more properties including: detergent stability (e.g. improved stability in a detergent composition, e.g. in the presence of a chelator, e.g. EDTA or citrate) and/or storage stability (e.g. improved storage stability in a detergent composition, e.g. in the presence of a chelator, e.g. EDTA or citrate). The present invention further relates to novel GH9 endoglucanase variants having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising polynucleotides encoding variants of the invention as well as methods for producing and using variants of the invention. Variants of the invention are suitable for use in cleaning processes and detergent compositions, such as laundry compositions and dish wash compositions, including hand wash and automatic dish wash compositions. The invention further relates to compositions comprising variants of the invention and/or xanthan lyases for use in detergents and in the drilling and oil industries.

Description of the Related Art

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide derived from the bacterial coat of Xanthomonas campestris. It is produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose by the Xanthomonas campestris bacterium. After a fermentation period, the polysaccharide is precipitated from a growth medium with isopropyl alcohol, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum. Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide consisting of different sugars which are connected by several different bonds, such as β-D-mannosyl-β-D-1,4-glucuronosyl bonds and β-D-glucosyl-O-D-1,4-glucosyl bonds. Xanthan gum is at least partly soluble in water and forms highly viscous solutions or gels. Complete enzymatic degradation of xanthan gum requires several enzymatic activities including xanthan lyase activity and endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity. Xanthan lyases are enzymes that cleave the β-D-mannosyl-β-D-1,4-glucuronosyl bond of xanthan and have been described in the literature. Xanthan degrading enzymes are known in the art, e.g. two xanthan lyases have been isolated from Paenibacillus alginolyticus XL-1 (e.g. Ruijssenaars et al. (1999) ‘A pyruvated mannose-specific xanthan lyase involved in xanthan degradation by Paenibacillus alginolyticus XL-1’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65(6): 2446-2452, and Ruijssenaars et al. (2000), ‘A novel gene encoding xanthan lyase of Paenibacillus alginolyticus strain XL-1’, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 66(9): 3945-3950). Glycoside hydrolases are enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of the glycosyl bond to release smaller sugars. There are over 100 classes of glycoside hydrolases which have been classified, see Henrissat et al. (1991) ‘A classification of glycosyl hydrolases based on amino-acid sequence similarities’, J. Biochem. 280: 309-316 and the Uniprot website at www.cazy.org. The glycoside hydrolase family 9 (GH9) consists of over 70 different enzymes that are mostly endo-glucanases (EC 3.2.1.4), cellobiohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.91), β-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) and exo-β-glucosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.165). In recent years xanthan gum has been used as an ingredient in many consumer products including foods (e.g. as thickening agent in salad dressings and dairy products) and cosmetics (e.g. as stabilizer and thickener in toothpaste and make-up, creams and lotions to prevent ingredients from separating and to provide the right texture of the product). Further xanthan gum has found use in the oil industry as an additive to regulate the viscosity of drilling fluids etc. The widespread use of xanthan gum has led to a desire to degrade solutions, gels or mixtures containing xanthan gum thereby allowing easier removal of the byproducts. Endoglucanases and xanthan lyases for the degradation of xanthan gum and the use of such enzymes for cleaning purposes, such as the removal of xanthan gum containing stains, and in the drilling and oil industries are known in the art, e.g. WO2013167581A1.

The known xanthan endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2 was found to be sensitive to the presence of detergents with chelators. To improve the applicability and/or cost and/or the performance of such enzymes there is an ongoing search for variants with altered properties, such as increased stability, e.g. improved stability in a detergent composition, e.g. in the presence of a chelator, e.g. EDTA or citrate, etc. However, mutagenesis of large enzymes followed by purification and functional analysis of mutant libraries can be very expensive and laborious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Since the known xanthan endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2 is a large enzyme (>1000 residues), it is difficult and expensive to randomly target its properties for improvement of, e.g., stability in a detergent composition, e.g., in the presence of a chelator.

In some aspects, the present invention identifies chelator-induced instability regions in the protein sequence/structure of the known xanthan endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2 that are affected when the molecule is incubated in a buffer with EDTA, and therefore provides an important guidance on where to mutate an endoglucanase in order to stabilize the molecule in a detergent, e.g., detergent composition comprising a chelator.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a chelator-induced instability region of a parent endoglucanase (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2) having one or more of the following features: in the presence of a chelator is less conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator is more exposed to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator is more accessible to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of:

i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2), and

ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2).

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in:

a) one or more regions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO:         2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from         the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,         102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,         120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,         133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond         to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the         numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214,         215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,         228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240,         241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein         said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:         2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271,         272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,         285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297,         298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343,         344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356,         357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551,         552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564,         565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577,         578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590,         591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,         617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629,         630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642,         643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655,         656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810,         811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823,         824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2), and     -   ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843,         844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856,         857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869,         870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882,         883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895,         896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908,         909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921,         922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934,         935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947,         948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960,         961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973,         974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986,         987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999,         1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009,         1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019,         1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029,         1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039,         1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2); and/or

b) an adjacent region (e.g., an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions: 51 (e.g, K51Q), 451 (e.g., K451S), 333 (e.g., W333L), 416 (e.g., Q416D), preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, and 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one alternative embodiment, the endoglucanase variant comprises an alteration in one or more positions selected from the group of: 285, 333, 353, *558, 633, 635, 638, 639, 994, 281, 563, 575, 921, 558+559+560+561+562, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 125, 126, 130, 213, 221, 228, 230, 231, 232, 235, 240, 243, 249, 278, 292, 297, 346, 556, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 570, 576, 578, 579, 580, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 616, 627, 630, 636, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 843, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 894, 920, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 950, 952, 953, 954, 960, 964, 966, 971, 974, 989, 991, 995, 998, 1006, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1044, 1045, 559+579, 564+579, 562+579, 559+579+99, 99, 559+579+281, 281+559+579, 559+579+616, 559+579+636, 559+579+651, 559+579+948, 948, 559+579+1009, 1009, 559+579+627, 579+921, 559+579+921, 99+579, 579+651, 579+948, 579+1009, 559+579+934, 934, 559+579+921+934, 559+579+627, 559+579+627+616, 559+579+627, 559+579+921+651, 559+579+921+627, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+616, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+627+636, 559+579+636+651, 559+579+616+651, 559+579+616+636, 559+579+616+921+934, 559+579+651+627, 559+579+651+636, 559+579+651+627+636, 559+579+651+616, 559+579+651+921+934, 636+934, 636+921, 636+627, 636+579, 638+934, 638+921, 638+627, 638+579, 627+51, 51, 627+451, 451, 627+559, 627+579, 579+934, 651+638, 570+651, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+579, 570+638, 570+579, 570+638, 570+651, 570+636, 570+934, 570+638, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+885, 885+934, 885+627, 559+579+636, 559+579+638, 559+579+870, 559+579+560, 559+579+564, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+560+579, 559+579+651, 559+579+651+934, 559+579+638, 559+579+921, 559+579+616+921, 559+579+636, 559+579, 559+579, 559+579+921, 559+579+616, 638+934, 627+636, 627+934, 570+579, 416+559+579+636, 128+559+579+627, 128+559+579+636, and 579+636 of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, and F1048W.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having activity on xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase; preferably said activity comprises endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity, further preferably said activity is endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having an improved stability in a detergent composition compared to a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2).

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having a half-life which is improved over the parent endoglucanase or a wild-type endoglucanase.

In one embodiment, the endoglucanase variant has a half-life of at least 1.5 hours when measured at a temperature of 25° C. and in a detergent concentration of 90%. In a particular embodiment, the half-life is measured as described in Example 4.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant having a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one endoglucanase variant of the invention. In another aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising an isolated GH9 endoglucanase variant having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase according to the invention. In a further aspect, the composition further comprises an isolated polypeptide having xanthan lyase activity.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition. In another aspect, a detergent composition of the invention comprises one or more detergent components for degrading xanthan gum.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to use of a composition of the present invention or an endoglucanase variant of the present invention, wherein said use is selected from the group consisting of: use for degrading xanthan gum, use in a cleaning process, such as laundry or hard surface cleaning such as dish wash, and use for controlling the viscosity of drilling fluids.

In some aspects, the present invention further relates to the use of a composition of the invention for degrading xanthan gum, for washing or cleaning textiles and/or hard surfaces, such as dish wash, wherein the composition has an enzyme detergency benefit, or for controlling the viscosity of drilling fluids.

In some aspects, the present invention also relates to methods of degrading xanthan gum using variants and compositions of the present invention, wherein xanthan gum is on the surface of a hard surface or textile, wherein xanthan gum is used in fracturing of a subterranean formation perpetrated by a well bore, or wherein the xanthan gum is a component in borehole filtercake.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant, comprising introducing into a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, and recovering said variant.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining or producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising introducing into a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2 or other parent endoglucanase) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in:

a) a region selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO:         2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from         the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,         102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,         120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,         133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond         to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the         numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214,         215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,         228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240,         241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein         said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:         2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271,         272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,         285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297,         298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343,         344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356,         357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551,         552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564,         565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577,         578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590,         591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,         617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629,         630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642,         643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655,         656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810,         811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823,         824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2), and     -   ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843,         844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856,         857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869,         870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882,         883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895,         896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908,         909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921,         922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934,         935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947,         948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960,         961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973,         974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986,         987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999,         1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009,         1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019,         1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029,         1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039,         1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2), and/or

b) an adjacent region (e.g., an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions: 51 (e.g, K51Q), 451 (e.g., K451S), 333 (e.g., W333L), 416 (e.g., Q416D)), preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2.

In some aspects, the invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In an alternative aspect, the invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 333, 353, *558, 633, 635, 638, 639, 994, 281, 563, 575, 921, 558+559+560+561+562, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 125, 126, 130, 213, 221, 228, 230, 231, 232, 235, 240, 243, 249, 278, 292, 297, 346, 556, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 570, 576, 578, 579, 580, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 616, 627, 630, 636, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 843, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 894, 920, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 950, 952, 953, 954, 960, 964, 966, 971, 974, 989, 991, 995, 998, 1006, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1044, 1045, 559+579, 564+579, 562+579, 559+579+99, 99, 559+579+281, 281+559+579, 559+579+616, 559+579+636, 559+579+651, 559+579+948, 948, 559+579+1009, 1009, 559+579+627, 579+921, 559+579+921, 99+579, 579+651, 579+948, 579+1009, 559+579+934, 934, 559+579+921+934, 559+579+627, 559+579+627+616, 559+579+627, 559+579+921+651, 559+579+921+627, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+616, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+627+636, 559+579+636+651, 559+579+616+651, 559+579+616+636, 559+579+616+921+934, 559+579+651+627, 559+579+651+636, 559+579+651+627+636, 559+579+651+616, 559+579+651+921+934, 636+934, 636+921, 636+627, 636+579, 638+934, 638+921, 638+627, 638+579, 627+51, 51, 627+451, 451, 627+559, 627+579, 579+934, 651+638, 570+651, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+579, 570+638, 570+579, 570+638, 570+651, 570+636, 570+934, 570+638, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+885, 885+934, 885+627, 559+579+636, 559+579+638, 559+579+870, 559+579+560, 559+579+564, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+560+579, 559+579+651, 559+579+651+934, 559+579+638, 559+579+921, 559+579+616+921, 559+579+636, 559+579, 559+579, 559+579+921, 559+579+616, 638+934, 627+636, 627+934, 570+579, 416+559+579+636, 128+559+579+627, 128+559+579+636, and 579+636 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, and F1048W.

In some aspects, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions, said method providing a variant having a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0.

In some aspects, the present invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding the variant polypeptides of the present invention; as well as to nucleic acid constructs; recombinant expression vectors; and recombinant host cells comprising said variant polynucleotides.

Overview of Sequence Listing

SEQ ID NO: 1 is the DNA sequence of the parent mature endoglucanase from a strain of a Paenibacillus sp. SEQ ID NO: 2 is the amino acid sequence of mature polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 3 is the DNA sequence of the alpha-amylase secretion signal from Bacillus licheniformis. SEQ ID NO: 4 is the amino acid sequence of the alpha-amylase secretion signal from Bacillus licheniformis.

Definitions

cDNA: The term “cDNA” means a DNA molecule that can be prepared by reverse transcription from a mature, spliced, mRNA molecule obtained from a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell. cDNA lacks intron sequences that may be present in the corresponding genomic DNA. The initial, primary RNA transcript is a precursor to mRNA that is processed through a series of steps, including splicing, before appearing as mature spliced mRNA.

Cleaning or Detergent Application: the term “cleaning or detergent application” means applying the endoglucanase of the application in any composition for the purpose of cleaning or washing, by hand, machine or automated, a hard surface or a textile.

Cleaning Composition: the term “cleaning composition” refers to compositions that find use in the removal of undesired compounds from items to be cleaned, such as textiles, dishes, and hard surfaces. The terms encompass any materials/compounds selected for the particular type of cleaning composition desired and the form of the product (e.g., liquid, gel, powder, granulate, paste, or spray compositions) and includes, but is not limited to, detergent compositions (e.g., liquid and/or solid laundry detergents and fine fabric detergents; hard surface cleaning formulations, such as for glass, wood, ceramic and metal counter tops and windows; carpet cleaners; oven cleaners; fabric fresheners; fabric softeners; and textile and laundry pre-spotters, as well as dish wash detergents). In addition to the endoglucanase, the detergent formulation may contain one or more additional enzymes (such as xanthan lyases, proteases, amylases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, endoglucanases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidaes, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof), and/or components such as surfactants, builders, chelators or chelating agents, bleach system or bleach components, polymers, fabric conditioners, foam boosters, suds suppressors, dyes, perfume, tannish inhibitors, optical brighteners, bactericides, fungicides, soil suspending agents, anti corrosion agents, enzyme inhibitors or stabilizers, enzyme activators, transferase(s), hydrolytic enzymes, oxido reductases, bluing agents and fluorescent dyes, antioxidants, and solubilizers.

Coding sequence: The term “coding sequence” means a polynucleotide, which directly specifies the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide. The boundaries of the coding sequence are generally determined by an open reading frame, which begins with a start codon such as ATG, GTG, or TTG and ends with a stop codon such as TAA, TAG, or TGA. The coding sequence may be a genomic DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA, or a combination thereof.

Colour clarification: During washing and wearing loose or broken fibers can accumulate on the surface of the fabrics. One consequence can be that the colours of the fabric appear less bright or less intense because of the surface contaminations. Removal of the loose or broken fibers from the textile will partly restore the original colours and looks of the textile. By the term “colour clarification”, as used herein, is meant the partial restoration of the initial colours of textile.

Control sequences: The term “control sequences” means nucleic acid sequences necessary for expression of a polynucleotide encoding a mature polypeptide of the present invention. Each control sequence may be native (i.e., from the same gene) or foreign (i.e., from a different gene) to the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide or native or foreign to each other. Such control sequences include, but are not limited to, a leader, polyadenylation sequence, propeptide sequence, promoter, signal peptide sequence, and transcription terminator. At a minimum, the control sequences include a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The control sequences may be provided with linkers for the purpose of introducing specific restriction sites facilitating ligation of the control sequences with the coding region of the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide.

Corresponding to: The term “corresponding to” as used herein, refers to a way of determining the specific amino acid of a sequence wherein reference is made to a specific amino acid sequence. E.g. for the purposes of the present invention, when references are made to specific amino acid positions, the skilled person would be able to align another amino acid sequence to said amino acid sequence that reference has been made to, in order to determine which specific amino acid may be of interest in said another amino acid sequence. Alignment of another amino acid sequence with e.g. the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, or any other amino acid sequence listed herein, has been described elsewhere herein. Alternative alignment methods may be used, and are well-known for the skilled person.

Degrading xanthan gum and xanthan gum degrading activity: The terms “degrading xanthan gum” and “xanthan gum degrading activity” are used interchangebly and are defined as the depolymerization, degradation or breaking down of xanthan gum into smaller components. The degradation of xanthan gum can either be the removal of one or more side chain saccharides, the cutting of the backbone of xanthan gum into smaller components or the removal of one or more side chain saccharides and the cutting of the backbone of xanthan gum into smaller components. A preferred assay for measuring degradation of xanthan gum is the reducing sugar assay as described in example 4 herein. Non-limiting examples of the xanthan gum degrading activity include endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity.

Delta remission value (ΔRem): The terms “Delta remission” or “Delta remission value” are defined herein as the result of a reflectance or remission measurement at 460 nm. The swatch is measured with one swatch of similar colour as background, preferably a swatch from a repetition wash. A swatch representing each swatch type is measured before wash. The Delta remission is the remission value of the washed swatch minus the remission value of the unwashed swatch.

Delta enzyme performance value (ΔRem enzyme value): The term “Delta enzyme remission value” is defined herein as the result of a reflectance or remission measurement at 460 nm. The swatch is measured with one swatch of similar colour as background, preferably a swatch from a repetition wash. A swatch representing each swatch type is measured before wash. The Delta remission is the remission value of the swatch washed in detergent with an enzyme present minus the remission value of a similar swatch washed in a detergent without enzyme present.

Delta enzyme intensity value (ΔInt enzyme value): The terms “Delta enzyme intensity” or “Delta enzyme intensity value” are defined herein as the result of an enzyme intensity value as defined in AMSA assay. The Delta intensity is the intensity value of the swatch area washed in detergent with an enzyme present minus the intensity value of the swatch area washed in detergent without enzyme present.

Detergent component: the term “detergent component” is defined herein to mean the types of chemicals which can be used in detergent compositions. Examples of detergent components are surfactants, hydrotropes, builders, co-builders, chelators or chelating agents, bleaching system or bleach components, polymers, fabric hueing agents, fabric conditioners, foam boosters, suds suppressors, dispersants, dye transfer inhibitors, fluorescent whitening agents, perfume, optical brighteners, bactericides, fungicides, soil suspending agents, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition agents, enzyme inhibitors or stabilizers, enzyme activators, antioxidants, and solubilizers. The detergent composition may comprise of one or more of any type of detergent component.

Detergent composition: the term “detergent composition” refers to compositions that find use in the removal of undesired compounds from items to be cleaned, such as textiles, dishes, and hard surfaces. The detergent composition may be used to e.g. clean textiles, dishes and hard surfaces for both household cleaning and industrial cleaning. The terms encompass any materials/compounds selected for the particular type of cleaning composition desired and the form of the product (e.g., liquid, gel, powder, granulate, paste, or spray compositions) and includes, but is not limited to, detergent compositions (e.g., liquid and/or solid laundry detergents and fine fabric detergents; hard surface cleaning formulations, such as for glass, wood, ceramic and metal counter tops and windows; carpet cleaners; oven cleaners; fabric fresheners; fabric softeners; and textile and laundry pre-spotters, as well as dish wash detergents). In addition to containing a GH9 endoglucanase of the invention and/or xanthan lyase, the detergent formulation may contain one or more additional enzymes (such as xanthan lyases, proteases, amylases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, endoglucanases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidaes, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof), and/or components such as surfactants, builders, chelators or chelating agents, bleach system or bleach components, polymers, fabric conditioners, foam boosters, suds suppressors, dyes, perfume, tannish inhibitors, optical brighteners, bactericides, fungicides, soil suspending agents, anti corrosion agents, enzyme inhibitors or stabilizers, enzyme activators, transferase(s), hydrolytic enzymes, oxido reductases, bluing agents and fluorescent dyes, antioxidants, and solubilizers.

Dish wash: The term “dish wash” refers to all forms of washing dishes, e.g. by hand or automatic dish wash. Washing dishes includes, but is not limited to, the cleaning of all forms of crockery such as plates, cups, glasses, bowls, all forms of cutlery such as spoons, knives, forks and serving utensils as well as ceramics, plastics, metals, china, glass and acrylics.

Dish washing composition: The term “dish washing composition” refers to all forms of compositions for cleaning hard surfaces. The present invention is not restricted to any particular type of dish wash composition or any particular detergent.

Endoglucanase: The term “endoglucanase” or “EG” means an endo-1,4-(1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.4) that catalyzes endohydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (such as carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose), lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans such as cereal beta-D-glucans, xyloglucans, xanthans and other plant material containing cellulosic components. Endoglucanase activity can be determined by measuring reduction in substrate viscosity or increase in reducing ends determined by a reducing sugar assay (Zhang et al., 2006, Biotechnology Advances 24: 452-481). A preferred assay for measuring endoglucanase activity is the reducing sugar assay as described in example 4 herein. Non-limiting examples of endoglucanases include the mature parent endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2.

Enzyme detergency benefit: The term “enzyme detergency benefit” is defined herein as the advantageous effect an enzyme may add to a detergent compared to the same detergent without the enzyme. Important detergency benefits which can be provided by enzymes are stain removal with no or very little visible soils after washing and or cleaning, prevention or reduction of redeposition of soils released in the washing process an effect that also is termed anti-redeposition, restoring fully or partly the whiteness of textiles, which originally were white but after repeated use and wash have obtained a greyish or yellowish appearance an effect that also is termed whitening. Textile care benefits, which are not directly related to catalytic stain removal or prevention of redeposition of soils are also important for enzyme detergency benefits. Examples of such textile care benefits are prevention or reduction of dye transfer from one fabric to another fabric or another part of the same fabric an effect that is also termed dye transfer inhibition or anti-backstaining, removal of protruding or broken fibers from a fabric surface to decrease pilling tendencies or remove already existing pills or fuzz an effect that also is termed anti-pilling, improvement of the fabric-softness, colour clarification of the fabric and removal of particulate soils which are trapped in the fibers of the fabric or garment. Enzymatic bleaching is a further enzyme detergency benefit where the catalytic activity generally is used to catalyze the formation of bleaching component such as hydrogen peroxide or other peroxides.

Expression: The term “expression” includes any step involved in the production of a polypeptide including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, post-translational modification, and secretion.

Expression vector: The term “expression vector” means a linear or circular DNA molecule that comprises a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide and is operably linked to control sequences that provide for its expression.

Fragment: The term “fragment” means a polypeptide having one or more (e.g., several) amino acids absent from the amino and/or carboxyl terminus of a mature polypeptide; wherein the fragment has endoglucanase activity. In one aspect, a fragment contains at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% of the number of amino acids of the mature polypeptide.

Endoglucanase variant having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase: The term “Endoglucanase variant having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase” or an “endoglucanase having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase and belonging to the GH9 class of glycosyl hydrioases” is defined as a polypeptide comprising a domain belonging to the GH9 class of glycosyl hydrolases, and having activity (e.g. enzymatic activity, xanthan degrading activity, endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity) on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase. A preferred assay for measuring activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase is disclosed in example 4 herein.

Xanthan lyase variant having activity on xanthan gum: The term “Xanthan lyase variant having activity on xanthan gum” is defined as a polypeptide having any kind of activity (e.g., enzymatic activity, xanthan gum degrading activity, xanthan lyase EC 4.2.2.12 activity) on xanthan gum.

Half-life: the term “half-life” is the time it takes for an enzyme to lose half of its enzymatic activity under a given set of conditions. It is denoted as T_(1/2) and is measured in hours (hrs). Half-lives can be calculated at a given detergent concentration and storage temperature for a Wild-type control and/or variants, as the degradation follows an exponential decay and the incubation time (hours) is known, i.e., according to the following formulas:

T½ (variant)=(Ln(0.5)/Ln(RA−variant/100))*Time

T½ (Wild-type)=(Ln(0.5)/Ln(RA−Wild-type/100))*Time

Wherein “RA” is the residual activity in percent and “Time” is the incubation time

Half-life improvement factor: the term “Half-life improvement factor” or “HIF” is the improvement of half-life of a variant compared to the parent polypeptide, such as a parent endoglucanase. A half-life improvement factor (HIF) under a given set of storage conditions (detergent concentration and temperature) can be calculated as:

${HIF} = \frac{{T\; \frac{1}{2}},{variant}}{{T\; \frac{1}{2}},{wt}}$

where the Wild-type (wt) is incubated under the same storage condition as the variant. In the cases where the difference in stability between Wild-type and variants is too big to accurately assess half-life for both Wild-type and variant using the same incubation time, the incubation time for Wild-type and variant is different e.g. 1 h for Wild-type and 720 h for the most stable variants. A preferred way of calculating HIF is also described in example 4 herein.

Hard surface cleaning: The term “Hard surface cleaning” is defined herein as cleaning of hard surfaces wherein hard surfaces may include floors, tables, walls, roofs etc. as well as surfaces of hard objects such as cars (car wash) and dishes (dish wash). Dish washing includes but are not limited to cleaning of plates, cups, glasses, bowls, and cutlery such as spoons, knives, forks, serving utensils, ceramics, plastics, metals, china, glass and acrylics.

Host cell: The term “host cell” means any cell type that is susceptible to transformation, transfection, transduction, or the like with a nucleic acid construct or expression vector comprising a polynucleotide of the present invention. The term “host cell” encompasses any progeny of a parent cell that is not identical to the parent cell due to mutations that occur during replication.

Improved property: The term “improved property” means a characteristic associated with a variant that is improved compared to the parent. Such improved properties include, but are not limited to, catalytic efficiency, catalytic rate, chemical stability, oxidation stability, pH activity, pH stability, specific activity, stability under storage conditions, chelator stability, substrate binding, substrate cleavage, substrate specificity, substrate stability, surface properties, thermal activity, and thermostability.

Improved wash performance: The term “improved wash performance” is defined herein as a (variant) enzyme (also a blend of enzymes, not necessarily only variants but also backbones, and in combination with certain cleaning composition etc.) displaying an alteration of the wash performance of a protease variant relative to the wash performance of the parent protease variant e.g. by increased stain removal. The term “wash performance” includes wash performance in laundry but also e.g. in dish wash.

Isolated: The term “isolated” means a substance in a form or environment that does not occur in nature. Non-limiting examples of isolated substances include (1) any non-naturally occurring substance, (2) any substance including, but not limited to, any enzyme, variant, nucleic acid, protein, peptide or cofactor, that is at least partially removed from one or more or all of the naturally occurring constituents with which it is associated in nature; (3) any substance modified by the hand of man relative to that substance found in nature; or (4) any substance modified by increasing the amount of the substance relative to other components with which it is naturally associated (e.g., multiple copies of a gene encoding the substance; use of a stronger promoter than the promoter naturally associated with the gene encoding the substance). An isolated substance may be present in a fermentation broth sample.

Laundering: The term “laundering” relates to both household laundering and industrial laundering and means the process of treating textiles with a solution containing a cleaning or detergent composition of the present invention. The laundering process can for example be carried out using e.g. a household or an industrial washing machine or can be carried out by hand.

Mature polypeptide: The term “mature polypeptide” means a polypeptide in its final form following translation and any post-translational modifications, such as N-terminal processing, C-terminal truncation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide is amino acids 1 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

It is known in the art that a host cell may produce a mixture of two of more different mature polypeptides (i.e., with a different C-terminal and/or N-terminal amino acid) expressed by the same polynucleotide. It is also known in the art that different host cells process polypeptides differently, and thus, one host cell expressing a polynucleotide may produce a different mature polypeptide (e.g., having a different C-terminal and/or N-terminal amino acid) as compared to another host cell expressing the same polynucleotide.

Mature polypeptide coding sequence: The term “mature polypeptide coding sequence” means a polynucleotide that encodes a mature polypeptide having enzymatic activity such as activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase or xanthan lyase activity. In one aspect, the mature polypeptide coding sequence is nucleotides 1 to 3165 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Mutant: The term “mutant” means a polynucleotide encoding a variant.

Nucleic acid construct: The term “nucleic acid construct” means a nucleic acid molecule, either single- or double-stranded, which is isolated from a naturally occurring gene or is modified to contain segments of nucleic acids in a manner that would not otherwise exist in nature or which is synthetic, which comprises one or more control sequences.

Operably linked: The term “operably linked” means a configuration in which a control sequence is placed at an appropriate position relative to the coding sequence of a polynucleotide such that the control sequence directs expression of the coding sequence.

Parent: The term “parent” or “parent endoglucanase” means any polypeptide with endoglucanase activity to which an alteration is made to produce the enzyme variants of the present invention. In one aspect, the parent is an endoglucanase having the identical amino acid sequence of the variant, but not having the alterations at one or more of the specified positions. It will be understood, that the expression “having identical amino acid sequence” relates to 100% sequence identity. Non-limiting examples of parent endoglucanases include the mature parent endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2.

Sequence identity: The relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “sequence identity”. For purposes of the present invention, the sequence identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, Trends Genet. 16: 276-277), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” (obtained using the −nobrief option) is used as the percent identity and is calculated as follows:

(Identical Residues×100)/(Length of Alignment−Total Number of Gaps in Alignment)

For purposes of the present invention, the sequence identity between two deoxyribonucleotide sequences is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, supra) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, supra), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EDNAFULL (EMBOSS version of NCBI NUC4.4) substitution matrix. The output of Needle labeled “longest identity” (obtained using the −nobrief option) is used as the percent identity and is calculated as follows:

(Identical Deoxyribonucleotides×100)/(Length of Alignment−Total Number of Gaps in Alignment)

Stringency conditions: The different strigency conditions are defined as follows.

The term “very low stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 25% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 45° C.

The term “low stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 25% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 50° C.

The term “medium stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 35% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 55° C.

The term “medium-high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 35% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 60° C.

The term “high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 50% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 65° C.

The term “very high stringency conditions” means for probes of at least 100 nucleotides in length, prehybridization and hybridization at 42° C. in 5×SSPE, 0.3% SDS, 200 micrograms/ml sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA, and 50% formamide, following standard Southern blotting procedures for 12 to 24 hours. The carrier material is finally washed three times each for 15 minutes using 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 70° C.

Subsequence: The term “subsequence” means a polynucleotide having one or more (e.g., several) nucleotides absent from the 5′ and/or 3′ end of a mature polypeptide coding sequence; wherein the subsequence encodes a fragment having enzymatic activity, such as activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase or xanthan lyase activity.

Textile: The term “textile” means any textile material including yarns, yarn intermediates, fibers, non-woven materials, natural materials, synthetic materials, and any other textile material, fabrics made of these materials and products made from fabrics (e.g., garments and other articles). The textile or fabric may be in the form of knits, wovens, denims, non-wovens, felts, yarns, and towelling. The textile may be cellulose based such as natural cellulosics, including cotton, flax/linen, jute, ramie, sisal or coir or manmade cellulosics (e.g. originating from wood pulp) including viscose/rayon, ramie, cellulose acetate fibers (tricell), lyocell or blends thereof. The textile or fabric may also be non-cellulose based such as natural polyamides including wool, camel, cashmere, mohair, rabit and silk or synthetic polymer such as nylon, aramid, polyester, acrylic, polypropylen and spandex/elastane, or blends thereof as well as blend of cellulose based and non-cellulose based fibers. Examples of blends are blends of cotton and/or rayon/viscose with one or more companion material such as wool, synthetic fibers (e.g. polyamide fibers, acrylic fibers, polyester fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyurea fibers, aramid fibers), and cellulose-containing fibers (e.g. rayon/viscose, ramie, flax/linen, jute, cellulose acetate fibers, lyocell). Fabric may be conventional washable laundry, for example stained household laundry. When the term fabric or garment is used it is intended to include the broader term textiles as well.

Textile care benefit: “Textile care benefits”, which are not directly related to catalytic stain removal or prevention of redeposition of soils, are also important for enzyme detergency benefits. Examples of such textile care benefits are prevention or reduction of dye transfer from one textile to another textile or another part of the same textile an effect that is also termed dye transfer inhibition or anti-backstaining, removal of protruding or broken fibers from a textile surface to decrease pilling tendencies or remove already existing pills or fuzz an effect that also is termed anti-pilling, improvement of the textile-softness, colour clarification of the textile and removal of particulate soils which are trapped in the fibers of the textile. Enzymatic bleaching is a further enzyme detergency benefit where the catalytic activity generally is used to catalyze the formation of bleaching component such as hydrogen peroxide or other peroxides or other bleaching species.

Variant: The term “variant” means a polypeptide (e.g., a GH9 endoglucanase polypeptide) comprising an alteration i.e., a substitution, insertion, and/or deletion, at one or more (e.g., several) positions. A substitution means replacement of the amino acid occupying a position with a different amino acid; a deletion means removal of the amino acid occupying a position; and an insertion means adding one or more (e.g. several) amino acids e.g., 1-5 amino acids adjacent to and immediately following the amino acid occupying a position. Non-limiting examples of endoglucanase variants of the present invention include endoglucanase variants having an activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase. Non-limiting examples of variants of the present invention further include variants having at least 20%, e.g., at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% endoglucanase activity of the mature parent having SEQ ID NO: 2. A preferred assay for measuring activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase is disclosed in example 4 herein.

Stability: The term “stability” means resistance or the degree of resistance to change, unfolding, disintegration, denaturation or activity loss. Non-limiting examples of stability include conformational stability, storage stability and stability during use, e.g. during a wash process and reflects the stability of a polypeptide (e.g. an endoglucanase variant according to the invention) as a function of time, e.g. how much activity is retained when said polypeptide (e.g. said endoglucanase variant) is kept in solution, in particular in a detergent solution. The stability is influenced by many factors, e.g. presence of chelator(s), pH, temperature, detergent composition, e.g. amount of builders, surfactants, chelators etc. The endoglucanase stability may be measured using a half-life improvement factor (HIF) as described in example 4 herein. The endoglucanase stability may also be measured using a reducing sugar assay as described in example 4 herein.

Improved stability: The term “improved stability” or “increased stability” is defined herein as increased stability in a detergent composition (e.g., in solutions, e.g. in the presence of a chelator, e.g. EDTA or citrate), relative to the stability of the parent endoglucanase, relative to an endoglucanase having the identical amino acid sequence of the variant, but not having the alterations at one or more of the specified positions, or relative to SEQ ID NO: 2. The terms “improved stability” and “increased stability” includes “improved chemical stability”, “detergent stability” or “improved detergent stability.

Improved chemical stability: The term “improved chemical stability” is defined herein as a variant enzyme displaying retention of enzymatic activity after a period of incubation in the presence of a chemical or chemicals, either naturally occurring or synthetic, which reduces the enzymatic activity of the parent enzyme. Improved chemical stability may also result in variants being more able (e.g., better that the parent) to catalyze a reaction in the presence of such chemicals. In a particular aspect of the invention the improved chemical stability is an improved stability in a detergent, in particular in a liquid detergent. The term “detergent stability” or “improved detergent stability is in particular an improved stability of the endoglucanase compared to the parent endoglucanase, when an endoglucanase variant of the present invention is mixed into a liquid detergent formulation, especially into a liquid detergent formulation comprising a chelator (e.g. EDTA or citrate).

Conformational stability: The term “conformational stability” means resistance or a degree of resistance to conformational change, unfolding or disintegration. Accordingly, the term “less conformationally stable” means less resistant or having lesser degree of resistance to conformational change, unfolding or disintegration.

Instability: The term “instability” means lack of stability. Non-limiting examples of instability include conformational instability, unfolding, denaturation, desintegration, activity loss.

Chelator-induced instability region: The term “chelator-induced instability region” means any region of a polypeptide contributing to instability of said polypeptide in the presence of a chelator. Non-limiting examples of chelators include EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and citrate. Non-limiting examples of chelator-induced instability regions include any region of a polypeptide having one or more of the following features: in the presence of a chelator it is less conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more exposed to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more accessible to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions. Non-limiting examples of chelator-induced instability regions further include any region of a polypeptide responsible for chelator-induced instability. Non-limiting examples of chelator-induced instability regions of a mature endoglucanase (e.g. having SEQ ID NO: 2) include: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2. Non-limiting examples of regions adjacent to chelator-induced instability regions of a mature endoglucanase (e.g. having SEQ ID NO: 2) include: region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Adjacent region: The term “adjacent region” means any region of a polypeptide that is not a chelator-induced instability region. Non-limiting examples of adjacent regions of a mature endoglucanase (e.g. having SEQ ID NO: 2) include: region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Chelator exposure: The term “chelator exposure” means concentration or amount of a chelator that reaches a polypeptide. Accordingly, in the context of the present invention the term “more exposed to a chelator” means that chelator exposure of a particular region (e.g. a chelator-induced instability region) is greater than a chelator exposure of a different region (e.g. an adjacent region). In one aspect, chelator exposure can be expressed in numerical terms of concentration, duration, and frequency (e.g. for chemical agents, e.g. chelators) or intensity.

Chelator accessibility: The term “chelator accessibility” encompasses openness to the influence by a chelator and easiness of approach by chelator. Accordingly, in the context of the present invention the term “more accessible to a chelator” means that chelator accessibility of a particular region (e.g. a chelator-induced instability region) is greater than a chelator accessibility of a different region (e.g. an adjacent region).

Conformational dynamics: The term “conformational dynamics” encompasses vibrations, structural rearrangements and transitions of a polypeptide (e.g. in solution). Accordingly, in the context of the present invention the term “more conformationally dynamic” means that conformational dynamics of a particular region (e.g. a chelator-induced instability region) is greater than conformational dynamics of a different region (e.g. an adjacent region).

Receptiveness to deuterium incorporation: The term “receptiveness to deuterium incorporation” means amount of hydrogen atoms replaced by a deuterium atoms during hydrogen-deuterium exchange. Said amount can be measured in relative (e.g. compared to another amount) or absolute (e.g. expressed numerically) terms. Accordingly, in the context of the present invention the term “more receptive to deuterium incorporation” means that receptiveness to deuterium incorporation of a particular region (e.g. a chelator-induced instability region) is greater than receptiveness to deuterium incorporation of a different region (e.g. an adjacent region).

Wash performance: The term “wash performance” is used as an enzyme's ability to remove stains present on the object to be cleaned during e.g. wash or hard surface cleaning. The improvement in the wash performance may be quantified by calculating the so-called intensity value (Int) in ‘Automatic Mechanical Stress Assay (AMSA) for laundry’ or the remission value (Rem) as defined herein.

Whiteness: The term “Whiteness” is defined herein as a broad term with different meanings in different regions and for different customers. Loss of whiteness can e.g. be due to greying, yellowing, or removal of optical brighteners/hueing agents. Greying and yellowing can be due to soil redeposition, body soils, colouring from, e.g. iron and copper ions or dye transfer. Whiteness might include one or several issues from the list below: Colorant or dye effects; Incomplete stain removal (e.g. body soils, sebum etc.); Re-deposition (greying, yellowing or other discolorations of the object) (removed soils re-associates with other part of textile, soiled or unsoiled); Chemical changes in textile during application; and Clarification or brightening of colours.

Xanthan lyase: The term “xanthan lyase” is defined herein as an enzyme that has activity on xanthan gum (e.g., enzymatic, activity, a xanthan gum degrading activity). Non-limiting examples of xanthan lyases include an enzyme that cleaves the 3-D-mannosyl-13-D-1,4-glucuronosyl bonds in xanthan gum (EC 4.2.2.12).

Conventions for Designation of Variants

For purposes of the present invention, the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 is used to determine the corresponding amino acid residue in another endoglucanase. The amino acid sequence of another endoglucanase is aligned with the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2, and based on the alignment, the amino acid position number corresponding to any amino acid residue in the mature polypeptide disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al., 2000, Trends Genet. 16: 276-277), preferably version 5.0.0 or later. The parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix.

Identification of the corresponding amino acid residue in another endoglucanase can be determined by an alignment of multiple polypeptide sequences using several computer programs including, but not limited to, MUSCLE (multiple sequence comparison by log-expectation; version 3.5 or later; Edgar, 2004, Nucleic Acids Research 32: 1792-1797), MAFFT (version 6.857 or later; Katoh and Kuma, 2002, Nucleic Acids Research 30: 3059-3066; Katoh et al., 2005, Nucleic Acids Research 33: 511-518; Katoh and Toh, 2007, Bioinformatics 23: 372-374; Katoh et al., 2009, Methods in Molecular Biology 537: 39-64; Katoh and Toh, 2010, Bioinformatics 26: 1899-1900), and EMBOSS EMMA employing ClustalW (1.83 or later; Thompson et al., 1994, Nucleic Acids Research 22: 4673-4680), using their respective default parameters.

When the other enzyme has diverged from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 such that traditional sequence-based comparison fails to detect their relationship (Lindahl and Elofsson, 2000, J. Mol. Biol. 295: 613-615), other pairwise sequence comparison algorithms can be used. Greater sensitivity in sequence-based searching can be attained using search programs that utilize probabilistic representations of polypeptide families (profiles) to search databases. For example, the PSI-BLAST program generates profiles through an iterative database search process and is capable of detecting remote homologs (Atschul et al., 1997, Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389-3402). Even greater sensitivity can be achieved if the family or superfamily for the polypeptide has one or more representatives in the protein structure databases. Programs such as GenTHREADER (Jones, 1999, J. Mol. Biol. 287: 797-815; McGuffin and Jones, 2003, Bioinformatics 19: 874-881) utilize information from a variety of sources (PSI-BLAST, secondary structure prediction, structural alignment profiles, and solvation potentials) as input to a neural network that predicts the structural fold for a query sequence. Similarly, the method of Gough et al., 2000, J. Mol. Biol. 313: 903-919, can be used to align a sequence of unknown structure with the superfamily models present in the SCOP database. These alignments can in turn be used to generate homology models for the polypeptide, and such models can be assessed for accuracy using a variety of tools developed for that purpose.

For proteins of known structure, several tools and resources are available for retrieving and generating structural alignments. For example the SCOP superfamilies of proteins have been structurally aligned, and those alignments are accessible and downloadable. Two or more protein structures can be aligned using a variety of algorithms such as the distance alignment matrix (Holm and Sander, 1998, Proteins 33: 88-96) or combinatorial extension (Shindyalov and Bourne, 1998, Protein Engineering 11: 739-747), and implementation of these algorithms can additionally be utilized to query structure databases with a structure of interest in order to discover possible structural homologs (e.g., Holm and Park, 2000, Bioinformatics 16: 566-567).

In describing the variants of the present invention, the nomenclature described below is adapted for ease of reference. The accepted IUPAC single letter or three letter amino acid abbreviation is employed.

Substitutions.

For an amino acid substitution, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, substituted amino acid. Accordingly, the substitution of threonine at position 226 with alanine is designated as “Thr226Ala” or “T226A”. Multiple mutations are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly205Arg+Ser411Phe” or “G205R+S411F”, representing substitutions at positions 205 and 411 of glycine (G) with arginine (R) and serine (S) with phenylalanine (F), respectively.

Deletions.

For an amino acid deletion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, *. Accordingly, the deletion of glycine at position 195 is designated as “Gly195*” or “G195*”. Multiple deletions are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Gly195*+Ser411*” or “G195*+S411*”.

Insertions.

For an amino acid insertion, the following nomenclature is used: Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid. Accordingly, the insertion of lysine after glycine at position 195 is designated “Gly195GlyLys” or “G195GK”. An insertion of multiple amino acids is designated [Original amino acid, position, original amino acid, inserted amino acid #1, inserted amino acid #2; etc.]. For example, the insertion of lysine and alanine after glycine at position 195 is indicated as “Gly195GlyLysAla” or “G195GKA”.

In such cases the inserted amino acid residue(s) are numbered by the addition of lower case letters to the position number of the amino acid residue preceding the inserted amino acid residue(s). In the above example, the sequence would thus be:

Parent: Variant: 195 195 195a 195b G G-K-A

Multiple Alterations.

Variants comprising multiple alterations are separated by addition marks (“+”), e.g., “Arg170Tyr+Gly195Glu” or “R170Y+G195E” representing a substitution of arginine and glycine at positions 170 and 195 with tyrosine and glutamic acid, respectively.

Different Alterations.

Where different alterations can be introduced at a position, the different alterations are separated by a comma, e.g., “Arg170Tyr,Glu” represents a substitution of arginine at position 170 with tyrosine or glutamic acid. Thus, “Tyr167Gly,Ala+Arg170Gly,Ala” designates the following variants:

“Tyr167Gly+Arg170Gly”, “Tyr167Gly+Arg170Ala”, “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Gly”, and “Tyr167Ala+Arg170Ala”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The known xanthan endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2 is a large enzyme (>1000 residues), it is therefore extremely laborious and expensive to target its properties for improvement of, e.g. stability in a detergent composition, e.g. in the presence of a chelator. In some aspects, the present invention narrows down the number of residues to target when trying to stabilize endoglucanase molecules using protein engineering to a region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the present invention dramatically narrows down the number of residues to target when trying to stabilize endoglucanase molecules using protein engineering.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides variants of an endoglucanase which has significantly improved stability as compared to the parent endoglucanase, such as the wild-type endoglucanase. Such improved stability may be measured as improved half-life of the variant compared to the parent endoglucanase, such as a wild-type endoglucanase.

Variants

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to chelator-induced instability regions in the protein sequence of the known xanthan endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO: 2 that are affected when the molecule is incubated in a buffer with EDTA, said regions being the following: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2. This embodiment relates to an important guidance on where to mutate an endoglucanase in order to stabilize its molecule in a detergent, e.g. detergent composition comprising a chelator, e.g. EDTA or citrate.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of:

i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2), and

ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2).

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in one or more regions selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to a parent endoglucanase of the invention (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2) having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9, wherein said region is a chelator-induced instability region, preferably said chelator-induced instability region has one or more of the following features: in the presence of a chelator it is less conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more exposed to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more accessible to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or in the presence of a chelator it is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; further preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of: region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO: 2; further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

In one embodiment the adjacent regions of the invention can be one or more or all of the following: region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase), wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) is more accessible to said detergent component than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase), wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) is more exposed to said detergent component than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase), wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) is more accessible to said detergent component than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase), wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase), wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, further comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in one or more regions selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having multiple alterations (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) in one region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention having multiple alterations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) in multiple regions (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to endoglucanase variants, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more (e.g., several) positions of the mature parent polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein each alteration is independently a substitution, insertion or deletion, wherein the variant has endoglucanase activity.

In an embodiment, the variant has sequence identity of at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, to the amino acid sequence of the parent endoglucanase.

In one embodiment, the variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, such as at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less than 100%, sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said variant has at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, a variant comprises an alteration at one or more (e.g., several) positions corresponding to positions 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, a variant comprises an alteration at two positions corresponding to any of positions 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, a variant comprises an alteration at three positions corresponding to any of positions 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, a variant comprises an alteration at each position (or at least four positions) corresponding to positions 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 4. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 4 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V4T of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 17. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 17 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution 517A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 18. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 18 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N18G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 20. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 20 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F20P, F20N, F20G, or F20Y, preferably F20P, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 51. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 51 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K51Q or K51H, preferably K51Q, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 53. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 53 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution E53Y, E53P, or E53G, preferably E53Y, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 55. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 55 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y55M or Y55D, preferably Y55M, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 56. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 56 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V56M of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 60. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 60 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y60F of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 63. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 63 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S63F of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 71. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 71 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A71E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 79. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 79 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S79W of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 87. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 87 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T87R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 92. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 92 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T92S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 120. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 120 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A120P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 129. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 129 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N129D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 137. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 137 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F137L of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 182. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 182 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution H182Y of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 186. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 186 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A186P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 189. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 189 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N189K of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 192. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 192 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K192N of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 216. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 216 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N216D, N216Q, r N216R, preferably N216D, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 226. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 226 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution L226K of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 228. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 228 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K228E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 230. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 230 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G230H of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 233. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 233 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution L233H of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 247. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 247 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution D247N of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 278. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 278 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A278S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 279. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 279 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G279E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 281. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 281 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K281R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 283. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 283 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A283D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 285. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 285 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, or N285G, preferably N285G, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 289. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 289 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q289E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 292. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 292 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292A, or T292G, preferably T292A, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 294. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 294 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A294V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 297. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 297 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F297L of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 298. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 298 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q298E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 302. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 302 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution I302D, I302H, I302V, or I302M, preferably I302D, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 311. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 311 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution H311N of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 313. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 313 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S313D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 333. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 333 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution W333L of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 346. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 346 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A346H or A246D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 353. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 353 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T353D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 386. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 386 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A386P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 387. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 387 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution I387T of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 388. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 388 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K388R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 390. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 390 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K390Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 403. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 403 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution 1403Y of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 408 In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 408 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, or E408G, preferably E408D, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 410. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 410 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution P410G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 416. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 416 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q416S or Q416D, preferably Q416S, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 441. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 441 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N441G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 448. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 448 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A448E, A448W, or A448S, preferably A448E, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 451. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 451 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K451S or K451Q, preferably K451S, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 471. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 471 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G471S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 472. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 472 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S472Y of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 476. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 476 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution D476R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 489. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 489 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q489P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 507. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 507 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K507R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 512. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 512 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K512P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 515. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 515 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S515V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 538. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 538 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S538C of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 555. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 555 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution L555Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 557. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 557 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G557R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 558. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 558 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the alteration N558D, *558aP, N558F, N558I, N558E, or N558M of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 559. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 559 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A559S, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, or A559G, preferably A559N, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 560. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 560 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S560P and S560G, preferably S560P, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 561. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 561 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T561P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 564. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 564 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A564I, A564Y, A564Q, A564E, or A564K, preferably A564I, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 567. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 567 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V567F or V567P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 568. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 568 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K568R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 570. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 570 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution P570K, P570Q, P570R, P570T, P570S, P570A, P570H, P570G, and P570N, preferably P570K or P570R, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 575. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 575 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution I575V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 579. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 579 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y579W or Y579F, preferably Y579W, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 581. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 581 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T581M of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 592. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 592 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G592D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 593. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 593 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S593N and S593E, preferably S593N, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 595. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 595 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S595L of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 598. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 598 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S598Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 599. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 599 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A599S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 602. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 602 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution 1602T or 1602D, preferably 1602T, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 603. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 603 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V603P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 605. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 605 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S605T of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 607. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 607 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S607C of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 609. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 609 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G609E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 616. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 616 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S616D or S616G, preferably S616D, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 627. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 627 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, or K627R, preferably K627R, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 630. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 630 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution I630F, I630V, or I630Y of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 631. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 631 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K631A or K631R, preferably K631R, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 633. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 633 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T633V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 635. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 635 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635W, D635L, D635M, D635T, D635A, or D635G, preferably D635A, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 636. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 636 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636R, S636L, S636H, or S636K, preferably S636N, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 638. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 638 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F638N, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638Y, F638M or F638H, preferably F638N, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 639. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 639 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T639S, T639I, T639M, T639V, T639A, T639D, T639E, T639Y, T639W, T639P, or T639G, preferably T639G or T639I, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 640. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 640 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T640S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 642. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 642 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S642T or S642N, preferably S642N, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 643. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 643 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N643D or N643H, preferably N643D, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 651. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 651 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A651P or A651S, preferably A651P, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 676. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 676 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution D676H of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 683. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 683 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q683E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 688. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 688 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A688G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 690. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 690 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y690F of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 694. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 694 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T694A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 697. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 697 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T697G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 698. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 698 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution R698W of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 699. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 699 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T699A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 706. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 706 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T706Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 711. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 711 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T711S, T711V, or T711Y, preferably T711V, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 713. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 713 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K713R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 719. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 719 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution W719R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 720. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 720 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K720H of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 744. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 744 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K744H or K744Q, preferably K744H, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 749. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 749 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A749T of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 754. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 754 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K754R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 756. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 756 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V756Y or V756H, preferably V756Y, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 760. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 760 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S760G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 781. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 781 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T781M of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 786. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 786 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N786K of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 797. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 797 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T797S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 810. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 810 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S810Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 824. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 824 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A824D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 825. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 825 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T825G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 828. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 828 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N828D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 833. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 833 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N833D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 834. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 834 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q834E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 835. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 835 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S835A or S835D, preferably S835A, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 837. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 837 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V837I of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 848. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 848 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N848D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 868. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 868 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A868E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 869. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 869 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A869V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 870. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 870 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution D870V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 872. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 872 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T872G, T872H, T872W, or T872Q, preferably T872G, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 880. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 880 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution R880K of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 881. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 881 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V881Q or V881T, preferably V881Q, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 883. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 883 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T883R, T883V, T883C, or T883K, preferably T883R, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 884. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 884 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y884H of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 885. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 885 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A885Q, A885N, or A885F, preferably A885F, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 887. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 887 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T887S or T887K, preferably T887K, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 888. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 888 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution L888M of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 890. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 890 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V890R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 892. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 892 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T892V or T892P, preferably T892P, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 898. In another aspec, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 898 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution R898Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 905. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 905 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N905D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 906. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 906 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F906A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 912. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 912 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q912V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 920. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 920 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N920D or N920P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 921. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 921 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K921R or K921E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 924. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 924 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A924D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 926. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 926 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V926F or V926P, preferably V926P, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 927. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 927 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K927R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 928. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 928 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S928D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 932. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 932 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T932A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 933. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 933 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N933S or N933V, preferably N933S, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 934. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 934 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y934G, Y034R, or Y934Q, preferably Y934G, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 937. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 937 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A937E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 938. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 938 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution V938I of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 939. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 939 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K939V of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 941. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 941 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N941S of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 942. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 942 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A942P of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 946. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 946 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G946R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 948. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 948 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K948R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 956. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 956 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Q956Y or A956S, preferably Q956Y, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 957. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 957 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A957L or A957P, preferably A957L, of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 966. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 966 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution N966C of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 972. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 972 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T972K of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 980. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 980 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution M980I of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 994. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 994 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G994N or G994D of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 999. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 999 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution T999R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1011. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1011 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution L1011A of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1031. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1031 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution K1031I of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1037. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1037 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution A1037E of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1038. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1038 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution S1038G of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1041. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1041 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution G1041R of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1042. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1042 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution Y1042N of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position 1048. In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to position 1048 is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution F1048W of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of alterations at positions corresponding to positions 559+579. In another aspect, the amino acids at positions corresponding to positions 559+579 are independently substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitutions A559N+Y579W or A559N+Y579F of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of an alteration at a position corresponding to position selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the amino acid at a position corresponding to any of positions as described above is substituted with Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gin, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, or Val. In another aspect, the variant comprises or consists of the substitution selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, and F1048W, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

The variants may further comprise one or more additional alterations at one or more (e.g., several) other positions.

The amino acid changes may be of a minor nature, that is conservative amino acid substitutions or insertions that do not significantly affect the folding and/or activity of the protein; small deletions, typically of 1-30 amino acids; small amino- or carboxyl-terminal extensions, such as an amino-terminal methionine residue; a small linker peptide of up to 20-25 residues; or a small extension that facilitates purification by changing net charge or another function, such as a poly-histidine tract, an antigenic epitope or a binding domain.

Examples of conservative substitutions are within the groups of basic amino acids (arginine, lysine and histidine), acidic amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid), polar amino acids (glutamine and asparagine), hydrophobic amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine), and small amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine, threonine and methionine). Amino acid substitutions that do not generally alter specific activity are known in the art and are described, for example, by H. Neurath and R. L. Hill, 1979, In, The Proteins, Academic Press, New York. Common substitutions are Ala/Ser, Val/Ile, Asp/Glu, Thr/Ser, Ala/Gly, Ala/Thr, Ser/Asn, Ala/Val, Ser/Gly, Tyr/Phe, Ala/Pro, Lys/Arg, Asp/Asn, Leu/Ile, Leu/Val, Ala/Glu, and Asp/Gly.

Alternatively, the amino acid changes are of such a nature that the physico-chemical properties of the polypeptides are altered. For example, amino acid changes may improve the thermal stability of the polypeptide, alter the substrate specificity, change the pH optimum, and the like.

Essential amino acids in a polypeptide can be identified according to procedures known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (Cunningham and Wells, 1989, Science 244: 1081-1085). In the latter technique, single alanine mutations are introduced at every residue in the molecule, and the resultant mutant molecules are tested for xanthan lyase activity to identify amino acid residues that are critical to the activity of the molecule. See also, Hilton et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271: 4699-4708. The active site of the enzyme or other biological interaction can also be determined by physical analysis of structure, as determined by such techniques as nuclear magnetic resonance, crystallography, electron diffraction, or photoaffinity labeling, in conjunction with mutation of putative contact site amino acids. See, for example, de Vos et al., 1992, Science 255: 306-312; Smith et al., 1992, J. Mol. Biol. 224: 899-904; Wlodaver et al., 1992, FEBS Lett. 309: 59-64. The identity of essential amino acids can also be inferred from an alignment with a related polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, having the total number of alterations compared to SEQ ID NO: 2 between 1 and 20, e.g., between 1 and 10 or between 1 and 5, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein an activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase is a xanthan degrading activity, preferably said xanthan degrading activity is endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity; further preferably said xanthan lyase has EC 4.2.2.12 activity.

In an embodiment, the variant has an improved stability in a detergent composition compared to a parent enzyme (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2). In one embodiment, the improved stability is measured as an improved half-life. In one embodiment, the improved stability is measured as half-life improvement factor.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said variant has an improved stability in a detergent composition compared to a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2); preferably said detergent composition comprises a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) 1.0; preferably said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) >1.0. A preferred way of calculating said half-life improvement factor (HIF) is described in example 4 herein. Accordingly, residual activity (RA) can be calculated using the following formula:

${{RA}\mspace{14mu} (\%)} = {\frac{{Abs}({Stress})}{{Abs}({Ref})} \times 100\%}$

wherein Abs(Stress) is the absorbance at 405 nm of the sample in the stress MTP (e.g. incubated at 25° C. over-night) subtracted the background absorbance estimated in a blank buffer sample present in the same MTP, Abs(Ref) is the absorbance at 405 nm of the sample in the reference MTP (e.g. incubated at 5° C. over-night) subtracted the background absorbance estimated in a blank buffer sample present in the same MTP, wherein half-lives for the degradation of each variant and parent endoglucanase (e.g. at 25° C.) are calculated using the following formula:

${T\frac{1}{2}} = {- \frac{\ln (2) \times T}{\ln \left( \frac{{Abs}({Stress})}{{Abs}({Ref})} \right)}}$

wherein T is the incubation time for both the stress and reference MTP, wherein half-life-improvement factors (HIFs) are calculated using the following formula:

${HIF} = \frac{{T\; \frac{1}{2}},{variant}}{{T\; \frac{1}{2}},{wt}}$

wherein T112 wt (or wild type) is the T112 of the mature parent endoglucanase with SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein a half-life improvement factor (HIF) is determined after incubation of said endoglucanase variant in a detergent composition at 25° C. for a time period from about 17 to about 20 hours.

Parent

The parent endoglucanase may be (a) a polypeptide having at least 60% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under low stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (ii) the full-length complement of (i); or (c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide having at least 60% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In an aspect, the parent has a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 of at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, which have xanthan lyase activity. In one aspect, the amino acid sequence of the parent differs by up to 10 amino acids, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, from the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In another aspect, the parent comprises or consists of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2. In another aspect, the parent is a fragment of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 containing at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% of the number of amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2. In another embodiment, the parent is an allelic variant of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes under very low stringency conditions, low stringency conditions, medium stringency conditions, medium-high stringency conditions, high stringency conditions, or very high stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (ii) the full-length complement of (i) (Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2d edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

The polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a subsequence thereof, as well as the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof, may be used to design nucleic acid probes to identify and clone DNA encoding a parent from strains of different genera or species according to methods well known in the art. In particular, such probes can be used for hybridization with the genomic DNA or cDNA of a cell of interest, following standard Southern blotting procedures, in order to identify and isolate the corresponding gene therein. Such probes can be considerably shorter than the entire sequence, but should be at least 15, e.g., at least 25, at least 35, or at least 70 nucleotides in length. Preferably, the nucleic acid probe is at least 100 nucleotides in length, e.g., at least 200 nucleotides, at least 300 nucleotides, at least 400 nucleotides, at least 500 nucleotides, at least 600 nucleotides, at least 700 nucleotides, at least 800 nucleotides, or at least 900 nucleotides in length. Both DNA and RNA probes can be used. The probes are typically labeled for detecting the corresponding gene (for example, with ³²P, ³H, ³⁵S, biotin, or avidin). Such probes are encompassed by the present invention.

A genomic DNA or cDNA library prepared from such other strains may be screened for DNA that hybridizes with the probes described above and encodes a parent. Genomic or other DNA from such other strains may be separated by agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or other separation techniques. DNA from the libraries or the separated DNA may be transferred to and immobilized on nitrocellulose or other suitable carrier material. In order to identify a clone or DNA that hybridizes with SEQ ID NO: 1 or a subsequence thereof, the carrier material is used in a Southern blot.

For purposes of the present invention, hybridization indicates that the polynucleotide hybridizes to a labeled nucleic acid probe corresponding to (i) SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (iii) the full-length complement thereof; or (iv) a subsequence thereof; under very low to very high stringency conditions. Molecules to which the nucleic acid probe hybridizes under these conditions can be detected using, for example, X-ray film or any other detection means known in the art.

In one aspect, the nucleic acid probe is the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is a polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; the mature polypeptide thereof; or a fragment thereof. In another aspect, the nucleic acid probe is SEQ ID NO: 1.

In another embodiment, the parent is encoded by a polynucleotide having a sequence identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 of at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%.

The polypeptide may be a hybrid polypeptide in which a region of one polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of a region of another polypeptide.

The parent may be a fusion polypeptide or cleavable fusion polypeptide in which another polypeptide is fused at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the polypeptide of the present invention. A fusion polypeptide is produced by fusing a polynucleotide encoding another polypeptide to a polynucleotide of the present invention. Techniques for producing fusion polypeptides are known in the art, and include ligating the coding sequences encoding the polypeptides so that they are in frame and that expression of the fusion polypeptide is under control of the same promoter(s) and terminator. Fusion polypeptides may also be constructed using intein technology in which fusion polypeptides are created post-translationally (Cooper et al., 1993, EMBO J. 12: 2575-2583; Dawson et al., 1994, Science 266: 776-779).

A fusion polypeptide can further comprise a cleavage site between the two polypeptides. Upon secretion of the fusion protein, the site is cleaved releasing the two polypeptides. Examples of cleavage sites include, but are not limited to, the sites disclosed in Martin et al., 2003, J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 3: 568-576; Svetina et al., 2000, J. Biotechnol. 76: 245-251; Rasmussen-Wilson et al., 1997, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63: 3488-3493; Ward et al., 1995, Biotechnology 13: 498-503; and Contreras et al., 1991, Biotechnology 9: 378-381; Eaton et al., 1986, Biochemistry 25: 505-512; Collins-Racie et al., 1995, Biotechnology 13: 982-987; Carter et al., 1989, Proteins: Structure, Function, and Genetics 6: 240-248; and Stevens, 2003, Drug Discovery World 4: 35-48.

The parent may be obtained from microorganisms of any genus. For purposes of the present invention, the term “obtained from” as used herein in connection with a given source shall mean that the parent encoded by a polynucleotide is produced by the source or by a strain in which the polynucleotide from the source has been inserted. In one aspect, the parent is secreted extracellularly.

The parent may be a bacterial enzyme. For example, the parent may be a Gram-positive bacterial polypeptide such as a Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Geobacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or Streptomyces enzyme, or a Gram-negative bacterial polypeptide such as a Campylobacter, E. coli, Flavobacterium, Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, Ilyobacter, Neisseria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, or Ureaplasma enzyme.

In one aspect, the parent is a Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, or Bacillus thuringiensis enzyme.

In another aspect, the parent is a Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis, or Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus enzyme.

In another aspect, the parent is a Streptomyces achromogenes, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces griseus, or Streptomyces lividans enzyme.

The parent may be a fungal enzyme. For example, the parent may be a yeast enzyme such as a Candida, Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, or Yarrowia enzyme; or a filamentous fungal enzyme such as an Acremonium, Agaricus, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Botryosphaeria, Ceriporiopsis, Chaetomidium, Chrysosporium, Claviceps, Cochliobolus, Coprinopsis, Coptotermes, Corynascus, Cryphonectria, Cryptococcus, Diplodia, Exidia, Filibasidium, Fusarium, Gibberella, Holomastigotoides, Humicola, Irpex, Lentinula, Leptospaeria, Magnaporthe, Melanocarpus, Meripilus, Mucor, Myceliophthora, Neocallimastix, Neurospora, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Phanerochaete, Piromyces, Poitrasia, Pseudoplectania, Pseudotrichonympha, Rhizomucor, Schizophyllum, Scytalidium, Talaromyces, Thermoascus, Thielavia, Tolypocladium, Trichoderma, Trichophaea, Verticillium, Volvariella, or Xylaria enzyme.

In another aspect, the parent is a Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces diastaticus, Saccharomyces douglasii, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Saccharomyces norbensis, or Saccharomyces oviformis enzyme.

In another aspect, the parent is an Acremonium cellulolyticus, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Chrysosporium inops, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Chrysosporium merdarium, Chrysosporium pannicola, Chrysosporium queenslandicum, Chrysosporium tropicum, Chrysosporium zonatum, Fusarium bactridioides, Fusarium cerealis, Fusarium crookwellense, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium graminum, Fusarium heterosporum, Fusarium negundi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium reticulatum, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium sarcochroum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium sulphureum, Fusarium torulosum, Fusarium trichothecioides, Fusarium venenatum, Humicola grisea, Humicola insolens, Humicola lanuginosa, Irpex lacteus, Mucor miehei, Myceliophthora thermophila, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium purpurogenum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Thielavia achromatica, Thielavia albomyces, Thielavia albopilosa, Thielavia australeinsis, Thielavia fimeti, Thielavia microspora, Thielavia ovispora, Thielavia peruviana, Thielavia setosa, Thielavia spededonium, Thielavia subthermophila, Thielavia terrestris, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma reesei, or Trichoderma viride enzyme.

In another aspect, the parent is a Paenibacillus sp. xanthan lyase, e.g., the xanthan lyase of SEQ ID NO: 2.

It will be understood that for the aforementioned species, the invention encompasses both the perfect and imperfect states, and other taxonomic equivalents, e.g., anamorphs, regardless of the species name by which they are known. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the identity of appropriate equivalents.

Strains of these species are readily accessible to the public in a number of culture collections, such as the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ), Centraalbureau Voor Schimmelcultures (CBS), and Agricultural Research Service Patent Culture Collection, Northern Regional Research Center (NRRL).

The parent may be identified and obtained from other sources including microorganisms isolated from nature (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) or DNA samples obtained directly from natural materials (e.g., soil, composts, water, etc.) using the above-mentioned probes. Techniques for isolating microorganisms and DNA directly from natural habitats are well known in the art. A polynucleotide encoding a parent may then be obtained by similarly screening a genomic DNA or cDNA library of another microorganism or mixed DNA sample. Once a polynucleotide encoding a parent has been detected with the probe(s), the polynucleotide can be isolated or cloned by utilizing techniques that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, supra).

Preparation of Variants

The present invention also relates to methods for obtaining a variant having endoglucanase activity, comprising: (a) introducing into a parent endoglucanase an alteration at one or more (e.g., several) positions corresponding to positions 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variant has endoglucanase activity; and (b) recovering the variant.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for obtaining a variant having endoglucanase activity, comprising: (a) introducing into a parent endoglucanase an alteration at one or more (e.g., several) positions corresponding to positions 285, 333, 353, *558, 633, 635, 638, 639, 994, 281, 563, 575, 921, 558+559+560+561+562, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 125, 126, 130, 213, 221, 228, 230, 231, 232, 235, 240, 243, 249, 278, 292, 297, 346, 556, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 570, 576, 578, 579, 580, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 616, 627, 630, 636, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 843, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 894, 920, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 950, 952, 953, 954, 960, 964, 966, 971, 974, 989, 991, 995, 998, 1006, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1044, 1045, 559+579, 564+579, 562+579, 559+579+99, 99, 559+579+281, 281+559+579, 559+579+616, 559+579+636, 559+579+651, 559+579+948, 948, 559+579+1009, 1009, 559+579+627, 579+921, 559+579+921, 99+579, 579+651, 579+948, 579+1009, 559+579+934, 934, 559+579+921+934, 559+579+627, 559+579+627+616, 559+579+627, 559+579+921+651, 559+579+921+627, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+616, 559+579+921+636, 559+579+921+627+636, 559+579+636+651, 559+579+616+651, 559+579+616+636, 559+579+616+921+934, 559+579+651+627, 559+579+651+636, 559+579+651+627+636, 559+579+651+616, 559+579+651+921+934, 636+934, 636+921, 636+627, 636+579, 638+934, 638+921, 638+627, 638+579, 627+51, 51, 627+451, 451, 627+559, 627+579, 579+934, 651+638, 570+651, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+579, 570+638, 570+579, 570+638, 570+651, 570+636, 570+934, 570+638, 570+921, 570+627, 570+559, 570+885, 885+934, 885+627, 559+579+636, 559+579+638, 559+579+870, 559+579+560, 559+579+564, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+579+570, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+560+579, 559+579+651, 559+579+651+934, 559+579+638, 559+579+921, 559+579+616+921, 559+579+636, 559+579, 559+579, 559+579+921, 559+579+616, 638+934, 627+636, 627+934, 570+579, 416+559+579+636, 128+559+579+627, 128+559+579+636, and 579+636 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variant has endoglucanase activity; and (b) recovering the variant.

In one embodiment, the variant has an half-life improvement factor (HIF) of at least 10, such as at least 20, such as at least 50, or such as at least 100.

In a particular embodiment, the variant comprises or consists of the alterations selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+V756Y+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+V756Y+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+V756Y+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+V756Y+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   S17A+F20P+N216D+A283D+H311N+E408D+Y579W+1602T+A651P+A688G+T883R+F906A+Y934G+Q956Y;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848         D+V881T+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848         D+V881T+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848         D+V881T+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848         D+V881T+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+S313D+E408D+Y579W+S616G+S636K+T697G+W719R+T883V+N905D+A937E;     -   F20P+S313D+E408D+Y579W+S636K+A688G+T697G+N905D+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+W719R+V756Y+V881Q+T887         K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+N216Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+V567P+Y579W+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+N848         D+T883R+N905D+A937E+Q956Y+F1048W;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+F1048W;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+F1048W;     -   N216D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+1602T+V603P+F638N+A651P+A688G+T697G+W71         9R+V756H+T825G+N833D+A869V+R880K+T887K+K921R+S928D+Y934G+N941S+K948R;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R+A1037E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R+A1037E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R+F1048W;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R+F1048W;     -   N216Q+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+1602T+F638N+A651P+T697G+W719R+R880K+T88         7K+K921R+Y934G;     -   N216D+S313D+E408D+D476R+A564E+Y579W+1602T+F638N+A651P+Y690F+T697G+W71         9R+V756H+N833D+A869V+R880K+V881T+T887K+K921R+S928D+Y934G+T999R;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+S636K+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+A869         V+V881Q+T887K+N905D+F906A+Q912V+A937E+T999R+F1048W;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824         D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+Q416S+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N833D+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+Q416S+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N833D+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+A186P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+A599S+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+A186P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+A599S+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   N216D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+1602T+V603P+F638N+A651P+A688G+T697G+W71         9R+V756H+R880K+T887K+K921R+S928D+Y934G+K948R;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E+T999R;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+N905D+F906A+A937E+T999R+A1037E+F1048W;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+N905D+F906A+A937E+T999R+A1037E+F1048W;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+A1037E;     -   F20P+K51Q+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+A1037E;     -   N216D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559P+Y579W+1602T+F638N+A651P+A68         8G+T697G+W719R+V756H+R880K+T887K+K921R+S928D+Y934G;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+A346D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+T697G+W719R+V756         Y+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   N216D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559P+Y579W+1602T+F638N+A651P+A688G+T69         7G+W719R+V756H+Q834E+R880K+T887K+T892P+K921R+S928D+Y934G;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Q489P+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+Q416S+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+Q416S+D476R+Q489P+A559N+Y579W+1602T+S636K+A651P+T697G+W719R+V756Y+N848D+T883R+T887K+F906A+A937E;     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+1602T+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+T999R+F1048W;         and     -   F20P+I302D+S313D+E408D+D476R+Y579W+1602T+S636N+T697G+W719R+V756Y+A824D+N848D+V881Q+T887K+F906A+S928D+A937E+T999R+F1048W.

The variants can be prepared using any mutagenesis procedure known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis, synthetic gene construction, semi-synthetic gene construction, random mutagenesis, shuffling, etc.

Site-directed mutagenesis is a technique in which one or more (e.g., several) mutations are introduced at one or more defined sites in a polynucleotide encoding the parent.

Site-directed mutagenesis can be accomplished in vitro by PCR involving the use of oligonucleotide primers containing the desired mutation. Site-directed mutagenesis can also be performed in vitro by cassette mutagenesis involving the cleavage by a restriction enzyme at a site in the plasmid comprising a polynucleotide encoding the parent and subsequent ligation of an oligonucleotide containing the mutation in the polynucleotide. Usually the restriction enzyme that digests the plasmid and the oligonucleotide is the same, permitting sticky ends of the plasmid and the insert to ligate to one another. See, e.g., Scherer and Davis, 1979, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76: 4949-4955; and Barton et al., 1990, Nucleic Acids Res. 18: 7349-4966.

Site-directed mutagenesis can also be accomplished in vivo by methods known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0171154; Storici et al., 2001, Nature Biotechnol. 19: 773-776; Kren et al., 1998, Nat. Med. 4: 285-290; and Calissano and Macino, 1996, Fungal Genet. Newslett. 43: 15-16.

Any site-directed mutagenesis procedure can be used in the present invention. There are many commercial kits available that can be used to prepare variants.

Synthetic gene construction entails in vitro synthesis of a designed polynucleotide molecule to encode a polypeptide of interest. Gene synthesis can be performed utilizing a number of techniques, such as the multiplex microchip-based technology described by Tian et al. (2004, Nature 432: 1050-1054) and similar technologies wherein oligonucleotides are synthesized and assembled upon photo-programmable microfluidic chips.

Single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions can be made and tested using known methods of mutagenesis, recombination, and/or shuffling, followed by a relevant screening procedure, such as those disclosed by Reidhaar-Olson and Sauer, 1988, Science 241: 53-57; Bowie and Sauer, 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 2152-2156; WO 95/17413; or WO 95/22625. Other methods that can be used include error-prone PCR, phage display (e.g., Lowman et al., 1991, Biochemistry 30: 10832-10837; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; WO 92/06204) and region-directed mutagenesis (Derbyshire et al., 1986, Gene 46: 145; Ner et al., 1988, DNA 7: 127).

Mutagenesis/shuffling methods can be combined with high-throughput, automated screening methods to detect activity of cloned, mutagenized polypeptides expressed by host cells (Ness et al., 1999, Nature Biotechnology 17: 893-896). Mutagenized DNA molecules that encode active polypeptides can be recovered from the host cells and rapidly sequenced using standard methods in the art. These methods allow the rapid determination of the importance of individual amino acid residues in a polypeptide.

Semi-synthetic gene construction is accomplished by combining aspects of synthetic gene construction, and/or site-directed mutagenesis, and/or random mutagenesis, and/or shuffling. Semi-synthetic construction is typified by a process utilizing polynucleotide fragments that are synthesized, in combination with PCR techniques. Defined regions of genes may thus be synthesized de novo, while other regions may be amplified using site-specific mutagenic primers, while yet other regions may be subjected to error-prone PCR or non-error prone PCR amplification. Polynucleotide subsequences may then be shuffled.

Embodiments

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, further comprising one or more detergent components; preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition further comprising one or more detergent components; preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, further comprising one or more additional enzymes selected from the group consisting of: xanthan lyases, proteases, amylases, lichenases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, endoglucanases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidases, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition further comprising one or more additional enzymes selected from the group consisting of: xanthan lyases, proteases, amylases, lichenases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, endoglucanases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidases, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition further comprising one or more detergent components and one or more additional enzymes selected from the group consisting of: xanthan lyases, proteases, amylases, lichenases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, endoglucanases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidases, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof, preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said composition is a detergent composition further comprising one or more detergent components, wherein said detergent composition is in form of a bar, a homogenous tablet, a tablet having two or more layers, a pouch having one or more compartments, a regular or compact powder, a granule, a paste, a gel, or a regular, compact or concentrated liquid.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a composition of the invention or an endoglucanase variant of the invention, wherein said use is selected from the group of: use for degrading xanthan gum, use in a cleaning process, such as laundry or hard surface cleaning such as dish wash, and use for controlling the viscosity of drilling fluids.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to use of a composition of the invention, wherein said composition has an enzyme detergency benefit In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide encoding an endoglucanase variant of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct or expression vector capable of expressing a polynucleotide of of the invention; preferably said nucleic acid construct or said expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of of the invention operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of the polypeptide in an expression host.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a host cell (e.g., isolated host cell, isolated recombinant host cell) comprising the polynucleotide of the invention; preferably said polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of the polypeptide; further preferably said host cell is an isolated host cell.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant, comprising introducing into a parent endoglucanase (e.g., having SEQ ID NO: 2) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, and recovering said variant; preferably said region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is a chelator-induced instability region; further preferably said method further comprises introducing into the parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in one or more regions selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention, wherein said endoglucanase variant has at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of positions: 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, F1048W, preferably the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucananse variant according to the invention, wherein the variant has an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions such that to provide a variant having a half-life of at least 1.5 hours when measured at a temperature of 25° C. and in a detergent concentration of 90%.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for obtaining (or producing) an endoglucanase variant according to the invention, said variant having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions such that to provide a variant having a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of 1.0; preferably said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising: cultivating a host cell (e.g., isolated host cell, isolated recombinant host cell) of the invention under conditions suitable for expression of said variant; and recovering said variant.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising: cultivating a host cell (e.g., isolated host cell, isolated recombinant host cell) under conditions suitable for expression of said variant; and recovering said variant, wherein said endoglucanase variant is a variant of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for degrading xanthan gum comprising: applying a composition of the invention to a xanthan gum.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for degrading xanthan gum comprising: applying a composition of the invention to a xanthan gum, wherein said xanthan gum is on the surface of a textile or hard surface, such as dish wash.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for degrading xanthan gum comprising: applying a composition of the invention to a xanthan gum, wherein said xanthan gum is used in fracturing of a subterranean formation perpetrated by a well bore.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for degrading xanthan gum comprising: applying a composition of of the invention to a xanthan gum, wherein said xanthan gum is a component in a borehole filtercake.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to use of deuterium for identification of a chelator-induced instability region of an endoglucanase polypeptide (e.g., having SEQ ID NO: 2) or an endoglucanase variant of the invention, preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate, further preferably said deuterium is in the form of D2O.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for identification of a chelator-induced instability region of an endoglucanase (e.g. endoglucanase polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 2 or an endoglucanase variant according to the invention), said method comprising:

-   i) providing in the presence of a chelator, preferably said chelator     is EDTA or citrate:     -   a) an endoglucanase polypeptide (e.g. having SEQ ID NO: 2 or an         endoglucanase variant according according to the invention), -   ii) providing in the absence of the chelator:     -   b) the endoglucanase polypeptide according to a), -   iii) providing deuterium to i) and ii), e.g. to a final deuterium     concentration of 95%, for hydrogen-deuterium exchange, preferably     said deuterium is in the form of D₂O, -   iv) digesting deuterated polypeptides from step iii) with pepsin, -   v) identifying peptic peptides produced in step iv), -   vi) quantifying and comparing deuterium incorporation into     individual peptides from step v) in the presence and absence of said     chelator.

Polynucleotides

The present invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a variant of the present invention. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

The techniques used to isolate or clone a polynucleotide are known in the art and include isolation from genomic DNA or cDNA, or a combination thereof. The cloning of the polynucleotides from genomic DNA can be effected, e.g., by using the well-known polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antibody screening of expression libraries to detect cloned DNA fragments with shared structural features. See, e.g., Innis et al., 1990, PCR: A Guide to Methods and Application, Academic Press, New York. Other nucleic acid amplification procedures such as ligase chain reaction (LCR), ligation activated transcription (LAT) and polynucleotide-based amplification (NASBA) may be used. The polynucleotides may be cloned in a strain of Bacillus subtilis or E. coli, or a related organism and thus, for example, may be an allelic or species variant of the polypeptide encoding region of the polynucleotide.

Modification of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the present invention may be necessary for synthesizing polypeptides substantially similar to the polypeptide. The term “substantially similar” to the polypeptide refers to non-naturally occurring forms of the polypeptide. These polypeptides may differ in some engineered way from the polypeptide isolated from its native source, e.g., variants that differ in specific activity, thermostability, pH optimum, or the like. The variants may be constructed on the basis of the polynucleotide presented as the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, e.g., a subsequence thereof, and/or by introduction of nucleotide substitutions that do not result in a change in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide, but which correspond to the codon usage of the host organism intended for production of the enzyme, or by introduction of nucleotide substitutions that may give rise to a different amino acid sequence. For a general description of nucleotide substitution, see, Ford et al., (1991), ‘Protein Expression and Purification’, 2: 95-107.

Nucleic Acid Constructs

The present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the expression of the coding sequence in a suitable host cell under conditions compatible with the control sequences. Thus, the present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the expression of the coding sequence in a suitable host cell under conditions compatible with the control sequences.

A polynucleotide may be manipulated in a variety of ways to provide for expression of the polypeptide. Manipulation of the polynucleotide prior to its insertion into a vector may be desirable or necessary depending on the expression vector. The techniques for modifying polynucleotides utilizing recombinant DNA methods are well known in the art.

The control sequence may be a promoter, a polynucleotide that is recognized by a host cell for expression of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the present invention. The promoter contains transcriptional control sequences that mediate the expression of the polypeptide. The promoter may be any polynucleotide that shows transcriptional activity in the host cell including mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters, and may be obtained from genes encoding extracellular or intracellular polypeptides either homologous or heterologous to the host cell.

Examples of suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention in a bacterial host cell are the promoters obtained from the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene (amyQ), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyL), Bacillus licheniformis penicillinase gene (penP), Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase gene (amyM), Bacillus subtilis levansucrase gene (sacB), Bacillus subtilis xylA and xylB genes, Bacillus thuringiensis cryllIA gene (Agaisse and Lereclus, 1994, Molecular Microbiology 13: 97-107), E. coli lac operon, E. coli trc promoter (Egon et al., 1988, Gene 69: 301-315), Streptomyces coelicolor agarase gene (dagA), and prokaryotic beta-lactamase gene (Villa-Kamaroff et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75: 3727-3731), as well as the tac promoter (DeBoer et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80: 21-25). Further promoters are described in “Useful proteins from recombinant bacteria” in Gilbert et al., 1980, Scientific American 242: 74-94; and in Sambrook et al., 1989, supra. Examples of tandem promoters are disclosed in WO 99/43835.

Examples of suitable promoters for directing transcription of the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention in a filamentous fungal host cell are promoters obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans acetamidase, Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger acid stable alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase (glaA), Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus oryzae alkaline protease, Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase, Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease (WO 96/00787), Fusarium venenatum amyloglucosidase (WO 00/56900), Fusarium venenatum Daria (WO 00/56900), Fusarium venenatum Quinn (WO 00/56900), Rhizomucor miehei lipase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Trichoderma reesei beta-glucosidase, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase I, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase III, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase IV, Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase V, Trichoderma reesei xylanase I, Trichoderma reesei xylanase II, Trichoderma reesei beta-xylosidase, as well as the NA2-tpi promoter (a modified promoter from an Aspergillus neutral alpha-amylase gene in which the untranslated leader has been replaced by an untranslated leader from an Aspergillus triose phosphate isomerase gene; non-limiting examples include modified promoters from an Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase gene in which the untranslated leader has been replaced by an untranslated leader from an Aspergillus nidulans or Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase gene); and mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters thereof.

In a yeast host, useful promoters are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae galactokinase (GAL1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH1, ADH2/GAP), Saccharomyces cerevisiae triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), Saccharomyces cerevisiae metallothionein (CUP1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Other useful promoters for yeast host cells are described by Romanos et al., 1992, Yeast 8: 423-488.

The control sequence may also be a transcription terminator, which is recognized by a host cell to terminate transcription. The terminator is operably linked to the 3′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide. Any terminator that is functional in the host cell may be used in the present invention.

Preferred terminators for bacterial host cells are obtained from the genes for Bacillus clausii alkaline protease (aprH), Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (amyL), and Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA (rrnB).

Preferred terminators for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease.

Preferred terminators for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome C (CYC1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Other useful terminators for yeast host cells are described by Romanos et al., 1992, supra.

The control sequence may also be an mRNA stabilizer region downstream of a promoter and upstream of the coding sequence of a gene which increases expression of the gene.

Examples of suitable mRNA stabilizer regions are obtained from a Bacillus thuringiensis cryllIA gene (WO 94/25612) and a Bacillus subtilis SP82 gene (Hue et al., 1995, Journal of Bacteriology 177: 3465-3471).

The control sequence may also be a leader, a nontranslated region of an mRNA that is important for translation by the host cell. The leader is operably linked to the 5′-terminus of the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide. Any leader that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred leaders for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase and Aspergillus nidulans triose phosphate isomerase.

Suitable leaders for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP).

The control sequence may also be a polyadenylation sequence, a sequence operably linked to the 3′-terminus of the polynucleotide and, when transcribed, is recognized by the host cell as a signal to add polyadenosine residues to transcribed mRNA. Any polyadenylation sequence that is functional in the host cell may be used.

Preferred polyadenylation sequences for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease.

Useful polyadenylation sequences for yeast host cells are described by Guo and Sherman, 1995, Mol. Cellular Biol. 15: 5983-5990.

The control sequence may also be a signal peptide coding region that encodes a signal peptide linked to the N-terminus of a polypeptide and directs the polypeptide into the cell's secretory pathway. The 5′-end of the coding sequence of the polynucleotide may inherently contain a signal peptide coding sequence naturally linked in translation reading frame with the segment of the coding sequence that encodes the polypeptide. Alternatively, the 5′-end of the coding sequence may contain a signal peptide coding sequence that is foreign to the coding sequence. A foreign signal peptide coding sequence may be required where the coding sequence does not naturally contain a signal peptide coding sequence. Alternatively, a foreign signal peptide coding sequence may simply replace the natural signal peptide coding sequence in order to enhance secretion of the polypeptide. However, any signal peptide coding sequence that directs the expressed polypeptide into the secretory pathway of a host cell may be used.

Effective signal peptide coding sequences for bacterial host cells are the signal peptide coding sequences obtained from the genes for Bacillus NCIB 11837 maltogenic amylase, Bacillus licheniformis subtilisin, Bacillus licheniformis beta-lactamase, Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, Bacillus stearothermophilus neutral proteases (nprT, nprS, nprM), and Bacillus subtilis prsA. Further signal peptides are described by Simonen and Palva, 1993, Microbiological Reviews 57: 109-137.

Effective signal peptide coding sequences for filamentous fungal host cells are the signal peptide coding sequences obtained from the genes for Aspergillus niger neutral amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Humicola insolens cellulase, Humicola insolens endoglucanase V, Humicola lanuginosa lipase, and Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase.

Useful signal peptides for yeast host cells are obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor and Saccharomyces cerevisiae invertase. Other useful signal peptide coding sequences are described by Romanos et al., 1992, supra.

The control sequence may also be a propeptide coding sequence that encodes a propeptide positioned at the N-terminus of a polypeptide. The resultant polypeptide is known as a proenzyme or propolypeptide (or a zymogen in some cases). A propolypeptide is generally inactive and can be converted to an active polypeptide by catalytic or autocatalytic cleavage of the propeptide from the propolypeptide. The propeptide coding sequence may be obtained from the genes for Bacillus subtilis alkaline protease (aprE), Bacillus subtilis neutral protease (nprT), Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (WO 95/33836), Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor.

Where both signal peptide and propeptide sequences are present, the propeptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of a polypeptide and the signal peptide sequence is positioned next to the N-terminus of the propeptide sequence.

It may also be desirable to add regulatory sequences that regulate expression of the polypeptide relative to the growth of the host cell. Examples of regulatory systems are those that cause expression of the gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus, including the presence of a regulatory compound. Regulatory systems in prokaryotic systems include the lac, tac, and trp operator systems. In yeast, the ADH2 system or GAL1 system may be used. In filamentous fungi, the Aspergillus niger glucoamylase promoter, Aspergillus oryzae TAKA alpha-amylase promoter, and Aspergillus oryzae glucoamylase promoter may be used. Other examples of regulatory sequences are those that allow for gene amplification. In eukaryotic systems, these regulatory sequences include the dihydrofolate reductase gene that is amplified in the presence of methotrexate, and the metallothionein genes that are amplified with heavy metals. In these cases, the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide would be operably linked with the regulatory sequence.

Expression Vectors

The present invention also relates to recombinant expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention, a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to recombinant expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, a promotor, and transcriptional and translational stop signals.

The various nucleotide and control sequences may be joined together to produce a recombinant expression vector that may include one or more convenient restriction sites to allow for insertion or substitution of the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide at such sites. Alternatively, the polynucleotide may be expressed by inserting the polynucleotide or a nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide into an appropriate vector for expression. In creating the expression vector, the coding sequence is located in the vector so that the coding sequence is operably linked with the appropriate control sequences for expression.

The recombinant expression vector may be any vector (e.g., a plasmid or virus) that can be conveniently subjected to recombinant DNA procedures and can bring about expression of the polynucleotide. The choice of the vector will typically depend on the compatibility of the vector with the host cell into which the vector is to be introduced. The vector may be a linear or closed circular plasmid.

The vector may be an autonomously replicating vector, i.e., a vector that exists as an extrachromosomal entity, the replication of which is independent of chromosomal replication, e.g., a plasmid, an extrachromosomal element, a minichromosome, or an artificial chromosome. The vector may contain any means for assuring self-replication. Alternatively, the vector may be one that, when introduced into the host cell, is integrated into the genome and replicated together with the chromosome(s) into which it has been integrated. Furthermore, a single vector or plasmid or two or more vectors or plasmids that together contain the total DNA to be introduced into the genome of the host cell, or a transposon, may be used.

The vector preferably contains one or more selectable markers that permit easy selection of transformed, transfected, transduced, or the like cells. A selectable marker is a gene the product of which provides for biocide or viral resistance, resistance to heavy metals, prototrophy to auxotrophs, and the like.

Examples of bacterial selectable markers are Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis dal genes, or markers that confer antibiotic resistance such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, neomycin, spectinomycin, or tetracycline resistance. Suitable markers for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to, ADE2, HIS3, LEU2, LYS2, MET3, TRP1, and URA3. Selectable markers for use in a filamentous fungal host cell include, but are not limited to, amdS (acetamidase), argB (ornithine carbamoyltransferase), bar (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), hph (hygromycin phosphotransferase), niaD (nitrate reductase), pyrG (orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase), sC (sulfate adenyltransferase), and trpC (anthranilate synthase), as well as equivalents thereof. Preferred for use in an Aspergillus cell are Aspergillus nidulans or Aspergillus oryzae amdS and pyrG genes and a Streptomyces hygroscopicus bar gene.

The vector preferably contains an element(s) that permits integration of the vector into the host cell's genome or autonomous replication of the vector in the cell independent of the genome.

For integration into the host cell genome, the vector may rely on the polynucleotide's sequence encoding the polypeptide or any other element of the vector for integration into the genome by homologous or non-homologous recombination. Alternatively, the vector may contain additional polynucleotides for directing integration by homologous recombination into the genome of the host cell at a precise location(s) in the chromosome(s). To increase the likelihood of integration at a precise location, the integrational elements should contain a sufficient number of nucleic acids, such as 100 to 10,000 base pairs, 400 to 10,000 base pairs, and 800 to 10,000 base pairs, which have a high degree of sequence identity to the corresponding target sequence to enhance the probability of homologous recombination. The integrational elements may be any sequence that is homologous with the target sequence in the genome of the host cell. Furthermore, the integrational elements may be non-encoding or encoding polynucleotides. On the other hand, the vector may be integrated into the genome of the host cell by non-homologous recombination.

For autonomous replication, the vector may further comprise an origin of replication enabling the vector to replicate autonomously in the host cell in question. The origin of replication may be any plasmid replicator mediating autonomous replication that functions in a cell. The term “origin of replication” or “plasmid replicator” means a polynucleotide that enables a plasmid or vector to replicate in vivo.

Examples of bacterial origins of replication are the origins of replication of plasmids pBR322, pUC19, pACYC177, and pACYC184 permitting replication in E. coli, and pUB110, pE194, pTA1060, and pAMβ1 permitting replication in Bacillus.

Examples of origins of replication for use in a yeast host cell are the 2 micron origin of replication, ARS1, ARS4, the combination of ARS1 and CEN3, and the combination of ARS4 and CEN6.

Examples of origins of replication useful in a filamentous fungal cell are AMA1 and ANSI (Gems et al., 1991, Gene 98: 61-67; Cullen et al., 1987, Nucleic Acids Res. 15: 9163-9175; WO 00/24883). Isolation of the AMA1 gene and construction of plasmids or vectors comprising the gene can be accomplished according to the methods disclosed in WO 00/24883.

More than one copy of a polynucleotide of the present invention may be inserted into a host cell to increase production of a polypeptide. An increase in the copy number of the polynucleotide can be obtained by integrating at least one additional copy of the sequence into the host cell genome or by including an amplifiable selectable marker gene with the polynucleotide where cells containing amplified copies of the selectable marker gene, and thereby additional copies of the polynucleotide, can be selected for by cultivating the cells in the presence of the appropriate selectable agent.

The procedures used to ligate the elements described above to construct the recombinant expression vectors of the present invention are well known to one skilled in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, supra).

Host Cells

The present invention also relates to recombinant host cells, comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant of the present invention operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of a variant of the present invention. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to recombinant host cells, comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

A construct or vector comprising a polynucleotide is introduced into a host cell so that the construct or vector is maintained as a chromosomal integrant or as a self-replicating extrachromosomal vector as described earlier. The term “host cell” encompasses any progeny of a parent cell that is not identical to the parent cell due to mutations that occur during replication. The choice of a host cell will to a large extent depend upon the gene encoding the polypeptide and its source.

The host cell may be any cell useful in the recombinant production of a polypeptide of the present invention, e.g., a prokaryote or a eukaryote.

The prokaryotic host cell may be any Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacterium. Gram-positive bacteria include, but are not limited to, Bacillus, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Geobacifius, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Streptomyces. Gram-negative bacteria include, but are not limited to, Campylobacter, E. coli, Flavobacterium, Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, Ilyobacter, Neisseria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Ureaplasma.

The bacterial host cell may be any Bacillus cell including, but not limited to, Bacillus alkalophilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis cells.

The bacterial host cell may also be any Streptococcus cell including, but not limited to, Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus cells.

The bacterial host cell may also be any Streptomyces cell including, but not limited to, Streptomyces achromogenes, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces griseus, and Streptomyces lividans cells.

The introduction of DNA into a Bacillus cell may be effected by protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Chang and Cohen, 1979, Mol. Gen. Genet. 168: 111-115), competent cell transformation (see, e.g., Young and Spizizen, 1961, J. Bacteriol. 81: 823-829, or Dubnau and Davidoff-Abelson, 1971, J. Mol. Biol. 56: 209-221), electroporation (see, e.g., Shigekawa and Dower, 1988, Biotechniques 6: 742-751), or conjugation (see, e.g., Koehler and Thorne, 1987, J. Bacteriol. 169: 5271-5278). The introduction of DNA into an E. coli cell may be effected by protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Hanahan, 1983, J. Mol. Biol. 166: 557-580) or electroporation (see, e.g., Dower et al., 1988, Nucleic Acids Res. 16: 6127-6145). The introduction of DNA into a Streptomyces cell may be effected by protoplast transformation, electroporation (see, e.g., Gong et al., 2004, Folia Microbiol. (Praha) 49: 399-405), conjugation (see, e.g., Mazodier et al., 1989, J. Bacteriol. 171: 3583-3585), or transduction (see, e.g., Burke et al., 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98: 6289-6294). The introduction of DNA into a Pseudomonas cell may be effected by electroporation (see, e.g., Choi et al., 2006, J. Microbiol. Methods 64: 391-397) or conjugation (see, e.g., Pinedo and Smets, 2005, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71: 51-57). The introduction of DNA into a Streptococcus cell may be effected by natural competence (see, e.g., Perry and Kuramitsu, 1981, Infect. Immun. 32: 1295-1297), protoplast transformation (see, e.g., Catt and Jollick, 1991, Microbios 68: 189-207), electroporation (see, e.g., Buckley et al., 1999, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65: 3800-3804), or conjugation (see, e.g., Clewell, 1981, Microbiol. Rev. 45: 409-436). However, any method known in the art for introducing DNA into a host cell can be used.

The host cell may also be a eukaryote, such as a mammalian, insect, plant, or fungal cell.

The host cell may be a fungal cell. “Fungi” as used herein includes the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Zygomycota as well as the Oomycota and all mitosporic fungi (as defined by Hawksworth et al., In, Ainsworth and Bisby's Dictionary of The Fungi, 8th edition, 1995, CAB International, University Press, Cambridge, UK).

The fungal host cell may be a yeast cell. “Yeast” as used herein includes ascosporogenous yeast (Endomycetales), basidiosporogenous yeast, and yeast belonging to the Fungi Imperfecti (Blastomycetes). Since the classification of yeast may change in the future, for the purposes of this invention, yeast shall be defined as described in Biology and Activities of Yeast (Skinner, Passmore, and Davenport, editors, Soc. App. Bacteriol. Symposium Series No. 9, 1980).

The yeast host cell may be a Candida, Hansenula, Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, or Yarrowia cell, such as a Kluyveromyces lactis, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces diastaticus, Saccharomyces douglasii, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Saccharomyces norbensis, Saccharomyces oviformis, or Yarrowia lipolytica cell.

The fungal host cell may be a filamentous fungal cell. “Filamentous fungi” include all filamentous forms of the subdivision Eumycota and Oomycota (as defined by Hawksworth et al., 1995, supra). The filamentous fungi are generally characterized by a mycelial wall composed of chitin, cellulose, glucan, chitosan, mannan, and other complex polysaccharides. Vegetative growth is by hyphal elongation and carbon catabolism is obligately aerobic. In contrast, vegetative growth by yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae is by budding of a unicellular thallus and carbon catabolism may be fermentative.

The filamentous fungal host cell may be an Acremonium, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Bjerkandera, Ceriporiopsis, Chrysosporium, Coprinus, Coriolus, Cryptococcus, Filibasidium, Fusarium, Humicola, Magnaporthe, Mucor, Myceliophthora, Neocallimastix, Neurospora, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Phanerochaete, Phlebia, Piromyces, Pleurotus, Schizophyllum, Talaromyces, Thermoascus, Thielavia, Tolypocladium, Trametes, or Trichoderma cell.

For example, the filamentous fungal host cell may be an Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Bjerkandera adusta, Ceriporiopsis aneirina, Ceriporiopsis caregiea, Ceriporiopsis gilvescens, Ceriporiopsis pannocinta, Ceriporiopsis rivulosa, Ceriporiopsis subrufa, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, Chrysosporium inops, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Chrysosporium merdarium, Chrysosporium pannicola, Chrysosporium queenslandicum, Chrysosporium tropicum, Chrysosporium zonatum, Coprinus cinereus, Coriolus hirsutus, Fusarium bactridioides, Fusarium cerealis, Fusarium crookwellense, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium graminum, Fusarium heterosporum, Fusarium negundi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium reticulatum, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium sarcochroum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium sulphureum, Fusarium torulosum, Fusarium trichothecioides, Fusarium venenatum, Humicola insolens, Humicola lanuginosa, Mucor miehei, Myceliophthora thermophila, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium purpurogenum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Phlebia radiata, Pleurotus eryngii, Thielavia terrestris, Trametes villosa, Trametes versicolor, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma reesei, or Trichoderma viride cell.

Fungal cells may be transformed by a process involving protoplast formation, transformation of the protoplasts, and regeneration of the cell wall in a manner known per se. Suitable procedures for transformation of Aspergillus and Trichoderma host cells are described in EP 238023, Yelton et al., 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 1470-1474, and Christensen et al., 1988, Bio/Technology 6: 1419-1422. Suitable methods for transforming Fusarium species are described by Malardier et al., 1989, Gene 78: 147-156, and WO 96/00787. Yeast may be transformed using the procedures described by Becker and Guarente, In Abelson, J. N. and Simon, M. I., editors, Guide to Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology, Methods in Enzymology, Volume 194, pp 182-187, Academic Press, Inc., New York; Ito et al., 1983, J. Bacteriol. 153: 163; and Hinnen et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75: 1920.

Methods of Production

The present invention also relates to methods of producing (e.g., in vitro or ex vivo methods) a variant, comprising: (a) cultivating a host cell of the present invention under conditions suitable for expression of the variant; and (b) recovering the variant. Thus, the present invention relates to methods of producing (e.g., in vitro or ex vivo methods) a variant, comprising: (a) cultivating a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, under conditions suitable for expression of the variant, and (b) optionally, recovering the variant.

The present invention also relates to methods of producing (e.g., in vitro or ex vivo methods) a variant of the present invention, comprising (a) cultivating a cell, which in its wild-type form produces the polypeptide, under conditions conducive for production of the polypeptide; and (b) recovering the polypeptide. In a preferred aspect, the cell is a Paenibacillus cell, or a Microbacterium cell.

The present invention also relates to methods of producing (e.g., in vitro or ex vivo methods) a variant of the present invention, comprising (a) cultivating a recombinant host cell of the present invention under conditions conducive for production of the polypeptide; and (b) recovering the polypeptide.

The host cells are cultivated in a nutrient medium suitable for production of the polypeptide using methods known in the art. For example, the cell may be cultivated by shake flask cultivation, or small-scale or large-scale fermentation (including continuous, batch, fed-batch, or solid state fermentations) in laboratory or industrial fermentors performed in a suitable medium and under conditions allowing the polypeptide to be expressed and/or isolated. The cultivation takes place in a suitable nutrient medium comprising carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts, using procedures known in the art. Suitable media are available from commercial suppliers or may be prepared according to published compositions (e.g., in catalogues of the American Type Culture Collection). If the polypeptide is secreted into the nutrient medium, the polypeptide can be recovered directly from the medium. If the polypeptide is not secreted, it can be recovered from cell lysates.

The variant polypeptide may be detected using methods known in the art that are specific for the polypeptides such as methods for determining cellulose or xanthan lyase activity. These detection methods include, but are not limited to, use of specific antibodies, formation of an enzyme product, or disappearance of an enzyme substrate. For example, an enzyme assay may be used to determine the activity of the polypeptide.

The variant polypeptide may be recovered using methods known in the art. For example, the polypeptide may be recovered from the nutrient medium by conventional procedures including, but not limited to, collection, centrifugation, filtration, extraction, spray-drying, evaporation, or precipitation.

The variant polypeptide may be purified by a variety of procedures known in the art including, but not limited to, chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, hydrophobic, chromatofocusing, and size exclusion), electrophoretic procedures (e.g., preparative isoelectric focusing), differential solubility (e.g., ammonium sulfate precipitation), SDS-PAGE, or extraction (see, e.g., Protein Purification, Janson and Ryden, editors, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989) to obtain substantially pure polypeptides.

In an alternative aspect, the variant polypeptide is not recovered, but rather a host cell of the present invention expressing the polypeptide is used as a source of the variant polypeptide.

Compositions

In one certain aspect, the variants according to the invention have improved stability in detergents compared to a parent enzyme or compared to an endoglucanase having the identical amino acid sequence of the variant, but not having an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more of the specified positions or compared to the endoglucanase with SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein activity and/or stability in detergent is measured as disclosed in example 4 herein. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a variant comprising an alteration in one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variant has an improved stability in the composition, preferably the composition is a detergent composition.

Besides enzymes the detergent compositions may comprise additional components. The choice of additional components is within the skill of the artisan and includes conventional ingredients, including the exemplary non-limiting components set forth below. The choice of components may include, for fabric care, the consideration of the type of fabric to be cleaned, the type and/or degree of soiling, the temperature at which cleaning is to take place, and the formulation of the detergent product. Although components mentioned below are categorized by general header according to a particular functionality, this is not to be construed as a limitation, as a component may comprise additional functionalities as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.

The detergent composition may be suitable for the laundering of textiles such as e.g. fabrics, cloths or linen, or for cleaning hard surfaces such as e.g. floors, tables, or dish wash.

Detergent Compositions

In one embodiment, a variant of the present invention may be added to a detergent composition in an amount corresponding to 0.0001-200 mg of enzyme protein, such as 0.0005-100 mg of enzyme protein, preferably 0.001-30 mg of enzyme protein, more preferably 0.005-8 mg of enzyme protein, even more preferably 0.01-2 mg of enzyme protein per litre of wash liquor.

A composition for use in automatic dishwash (ADW), for example, may include 0.0001%-50%, such as 0.001%-20%, such as 0.01%-10%, such as 0.05-5% of enzyme protein by weight of the composition.

A composition for use in laundry granulation, for example, may include 0.0001%-50%, such as 0.001%-20%, such as 0.01%-10%, such as 0.05%-5% of enzyme protein by weight of the composition.

A composition for use in laundry liquid, for example, may include 0.0001%-10%, such as 0.001-7%, such as 0.1%-5% of enzyme protein by weight of the composition.

The enzyme(s) of the detergent composition of the invention may be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, e.g., a polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, boric acid, or a boric acid derivative, e.g., an aromatic borate ester, or a phenyl boronic acid derivative such as 4-formylphenyl boronic acid, and the composition may be formulated as described in, for example, WO92/19709 and WO92/19708.

In certain markets different wash conditions and, as such, different types of detergents are used. This is disclosed in e.g. EP 1 025 240. For example, In Asia (Japan) a low detergent concentration system is used, while the United States uses a medium detergent concentration system, and Europe uses a high detergent concentration system.

A low detergent concentration system includes detergents where less than about 800 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water. Japanese detergents are typically considered low detergent concentration system as they have approximately 667 ppm of detergent components present in the wash water.

A medium detergent concentration includes detergents where between about 800 ppm and about 2000 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water. North American detergents are generally considered to be medium detergent concentration systems as they have approximately 975 ppm of detergent components present in the wash water.

A high detergent concentration system includes detergents where greater than about 2000 ppm of detergent components are present in the wash water. European detergents are generally considered to be high detergent concentration systems as they have approximately 4500-5000 ppm of detergent components in the wash water.

Latin American detergents are generally high suds phosphate builder detergents and the range of detergents used in Latin America can fall in both the medium and high detergent concentrations as they range from 1500 ppm to 6000 ppm of detergent components in the wash water. Such detergent compositions are all embodiments of the invention.

A polypeptide of the present invention may also be incorporated in the detergent formulations disclosed in WO97/07202, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Surfactants

The detergent composition may comprise one or more surfactants, which may be anionic and/or cationic and/or non-ionic and/or semi-polar and/or zwitterionic, or a mixture thereof. In a particular embodiment, the detergent composition includes a mixture of one or more nonionic surfactants and one or more anionic surfactants. The surfactant(s) is typically present at a level of from about 0.1% to 60% by weight, such as about 1% to about 40%, or about 3% to about 20%, or about 3% to about 10%. The surfactant(s) is chosen based on the desired cleaning application, and includes any conventional surfactant(s) known in the art. Any surfactant known in the art for use in detergents may be utilized.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 1% to about 40% by weight, such as from about 5% to about 30%, including from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 20% to about 25% of an anionic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants include sulfates and sulfonates, in particular, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS), isomers of LAS, branched alkylbenzenesulfonates (BABS), phenylalkanesulfonates, alpha-olefinsulfonates (AOS), olefin sulfonates, alkene sulfonates, alkane-2,3-diylbis(sulfates), hydroxyalkanesulfonates and disulfonates, alkyl sulfates (AS) such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), fatty alcohol sulfates (FAS), primary alcohol sulfates (PAS), alcohol ethersulfates (AES or AEOS or FES, also known as alcohol ethoxysulfates or fatty alcohol ether sulfates), secondary alkanesulfonates (SAS), paraffin sulfonates (PS), ester sulfonates, sulfonated fatty acid glycerol esters, alpha-sulfo fatty acid methyl esters (alpha-SFMe or SES) including methyl ester sulfonate (MES), alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, dodecenyl/tetradecenyl succinic acid (DTSA), fatty acid derivatives of amino acids, diesters and monoesters of sulfo-succinic acid or soap, and combinations thereof.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a cationic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include alklydimethylethanolamine quat (ADMEAQ), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), dimethyldistearylammonium chloride (DSDMAC), and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) compounds, and combinations thereof.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 0.2% to about 40% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, for example from about 0.5% to about 30%, in particular from about 1% to about 20%, from about 3% to about 10%, such as from about 3% to about 5%, or from about 8% to about 12%. Non-limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates (AE or AEO), alcohol propoxylates, propoxylated fatty alcohols (PFA), alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, such as ethoxylated and/or propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), alkylpolyglycosides (APG), alkoxylated amines, fatty acid monoethanolamides (FAM), fatty acid diethanolamides (FADA), ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides (EFAM), propoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides (PFAM), polyhydroxy alkyl fatty acid amides, or N-acyl N-alkyl derivatives of glucosamine (glucamides, GA, or fatty acid glucamide, FAGA), as well as products available under the trade names SPAN and TWEEN, and combinations thereof.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a semipolar surfactant. Non-limiting examples of semipolar surfactants include amine oxides (AO) such as alkyldimethylamineoxide, N-(coco alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide and N-(tallow-alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide, fatty acid alkanolamides and ethoxylated fatty acid alkanolamides, and combinations thereof.

When included therein the detergent will usually contain from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a zwitterionic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of zwitterionic surfactants include betaine, alkyldimethylbetaine, sulfobetaine, and combinations thereof.

Hydrotropes

A hydrotrope is a compound that solubilises hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions (or oppositely, polar substances in a non-polar environment). Typically, hydrotropes have both hydrophilic and a hydrophobic character (so-called amphiphilic properties as known from surfactants); however, the molecular structure of hydrotropes generally do not favor spontaneous self-aggregation, see e.g. review by Hodgdon and Kaler (2007), Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 12: 121-128. Hydrotropes do not display a critical concentration above which self-aggregation occurs as found for surfactants and lipids forming miceller, lamellar or other well defined meso-phases. Instead, many hydrotropes show a continuous-type aggregation process where the sizes of aggregates grow as concentration increases. However, many hydrotropes alter the phase behavior, stability, and colloidal properties of systems containing substances of polar and non-polar character, including mixtures of water, oil, surfactants, and polymers. Hydrotropes are classically used across industries from pharma, personal care, food, to technical applications. Use of hydrotropes in detergent compositions allow for example more concentrated formulations of surfactants (as in the process of compacting liquid detergents by removing water) without inducing undesired phenomena such as phase separation or high viscosity.

The detergent may contain 0-5% by weight, such as about 0.5 to about 5%, or about 3% to about 5%, of a hydrotrope. Any hydrotrope known in the art for use in detergents may be utilized. Non-limiting examples of hydrotropes include sodium benzene sulfonate, sodium p-toluene sulfonate (STS), sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium cumene sulfonate (SCS), sodium cymene sulfonate, amine oxides, alcohols and polyglycolethers, sodium hydroxynaphthoate, sodium hydroxynaphthalene sulfonate, sodium ethylhexyl sulfate, and combinations thereof.

Builders and Co-Builders

The detergent composition may comprise about 0-65% by weight, such as about 5% to about 45% of a detergent builder or co-builder, or a mixture thereof. In a dish wash deteregent, the level of builder is typically 40-65%, particularly 50-65%. The builder and/or co-builder may particularly be a chelating agent that forms water-soluble complexes with Ca and Mg. Any builder and/or co-builder known in the art for use in laundry detergents may be utilized. Non-limiting examples of builders include zeolites, diphosphates (pyrophosphates), triphosphates such as sodium triphosphate (STP or STPP), carbonates such as sodium carbonate, soluble silicates such as sodium metasilicate, layered silicates (e.g., SKS-6 from Hoechst), ethanolamines such as 2-aminoethan-1-ol (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA, also known as iminodiethanol), triethanolamine (TEA, also known as 2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol), and carboxymethyl inulin (CMI), and combinations thereof.

The detergent composition may also comprise 0-20% by weight, such as about 5% to about 10%, of a detergent co-builder, or a mixture thereof. The detergent composition may include include a co-builder alone, or in combination with a builder, for example a zeolite builder. Non-limiting examples of co-builders include homopolymers of polyacrylates or copolymers thereof, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or copoly(acrylic acid/maleic acid) (PAA/PMA). Further non-limiting examples include citrate, chelators such as aminocarboxylates, aminopolycarboxylates and phosphonates, and alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid. Additional specific examples include 2,2′,2″-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), ethylenediaminetetra-(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMPA), diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMPA or DTMPA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (EDG), aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic acid-N-monopropionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfomethyl)-aspartic acid (SMAS), N-(2-sulfoethyl)-aspartic acid (SEAS), N-(2-sulfomethyl)-glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2-sulfoethyl)-glutamic acid (SEGL), N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA), a-alanine-N, N-diacetic acid (a-ALDA), serine-N, N-diacetic acid (SEDA), isoserine-N, N-diacetic acid (ISDA), phenylalanine-N, N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid-N, N-diacetic acid (ANDA), sulfanilic acid-N, N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N, N-diacetic acid (TUDA) and sulfomethyl-N, N-diacetic acid (SMDA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylidenediamine-N, N′, N′-triacetate (HEDTA), diethanolglycine (DEG), diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), and combinations and salts thereof. Further exemplary builders and/or co-builders are described in, e.g., WO 09/102854, U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,053

Bleaching Systems

The detergent may comprise 0-50% by weight, such as about 0.1% to about 25%, of a bleaching system. Any bleaching system known in the art for use in laundry detergents may be utilized. Suitable bleaching system components include bleaching catalysts, photobleaches, bleach activators, sources of hydrogen peroxide such as sodium percarbonate and sodium perborates, preformed peracids and mixtures thereof. Suitable preformed peracids include, but are not limited to, peroxycarboxylic acids and salts, percarbonic acids and salts, perimidic acids and salts, peroxymonosulfuric acids and salts, for example, Oxone (R), and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of bleaching systems include peroxide-based bleaching systems, which may comprise, for example, an inorganic salt, including alkali metal salts such as sodium salts of perborate (usually mono- or tetra-hydrate), percarbonate, persulfate, perphosphate, persilicate salts, in combination with a peracid-forming bleach activator. The term bleach activator is meant herein as a compound which reacts with peroxygen bleach like hydrogen peroxide to form a peracid. The peracid thus formed constitutes the activated bleach. Suitable bleach activators to be used herein include those belonging to the class of esters amides, imides or anhydrides. Suitable examples are tetracetylethylene diamine (TAED), sodium 4-[(3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl)oxy]benzene sulfonate (ISONOBS), diperoxy dodecanoic acid, 4-(dodecanoyloxy)benzenesulfonate (LOBS), 4-(decanoyloxy)benzenesulfonate, 4-(decanoyloxy)benzoate (DOBS), 4-(nonanoyloxy)-benzenesulfonate (NOBS), and/or those disclosed in WO98/17767. A particular family of bleach activators of interest was disclosed in EP624154 and particulary preferred in that family is acetyl triethyl citrate (ATC). ATC or a short chain triglyceride like triacetin has the advantage that it is environmental friendly as it eventually degrades into citric acid and alcohol. Furthermore acetyl triethyl citrate and triacetin has a good hydrolytical stability in the product upon storage and it is an efficient bleach activator. Finally ATC provides a good building capacity to the laundry additive. Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of, for example, the amide, imide, or sulfone type. The bleaching system may also comprise peracids such as 6-(phthalimido)peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP). The bleaching system may also include a bleach catalyst. In some embodiments the bleach component may be an organic catalyst selected from the group consisting of organic catalysts having the following formulae:

(iii) and mixtures thereof; wherein each R¹ is independently a branched alkyl group containing from 9 to 24 carbons or linear alkyl group containing from 11 to 24 carbons, preferably each R¹ is independently a branched alkyl group containing from 9 to 18 carbons or linear alkyl group containing from 11 to 18 carbons, more preferably each R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-hexyldecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, iso-nonyl, iso-decyl, iso-tridecyl and iso-pentadecyl. Other exemplary bleaching systems are described, e.g. in WO2007/087258, WO2007/087244, WO2007/087259 and WO2007/087242. Suitable photobleaches may for example be sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine

Polymers

The detergent may comprise 0-10% by weight, such as 0.5-5%, 2-5%, 0.5-2% or 0.2-1% of a polymer. Any polymer known in the art for use in detergents may be utilized. The polymer may function as a co-builder as mentioned above, or may provide antiredeposition, fiber protection, soil release, dye transfer inhibition, grease cleaning and/or anti-foaming properties. Some polymers may have more than one of the above-mentioned properties and/or more than one of the below-mentioned motifs. Exemplary polymers include (carboxymethyl)cellulose (CMC), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethyleneglycol) or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG), ethoxylated poly(ethyleneimine), carboxymethyl inulin (CMI), and polycarboxylates such as PAA, PAA/PMA, poly-aspartic acid, and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified CMC (HM-CMC) and silicones, copolymers of terephthalic acid and oligomeric glycols, copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(oxyethene terephthalate) (PET-POET), PVP, poly(vinylimidazole) (PVI), poly(vinylpyridine-N-oxide) (PVPO or PVPNO) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole (PVPVI). Further exemplary polymers include sulfonated polycarboxylates, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide (PEO-PPO) and diquaternium ethoxy sulfate. Other exemplary polymers are disclosed in, e.g., WO 2006/130575. Salts of the above-mentioned polymers are also contemplated.

Fabric Hueing Agents

The detergent compositions of the present invention may also comprise fabric hueing agents such as dyes or pigments, which when formulated in detergent compositions can deposit onto a fabric when said fabric is contacted with a wash liquor comprising said detergent compositions and thus altering the tint of said fabric through absorption/reflection of visible light. Fluorescent whitening agents emit at least some visible light. In contrast, fabric hueing agents alter the tint of a surface as they absorb at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes and dye-clay conjugates, and may also include pigments. Suitable dyes include small molecule dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes include small molecule dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes falling into the Colour Index (C.I.) classifications of Direct Blue, Direct Red, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Violet and Basic Red, or mixtures thereof, for example as described in WO2005/03274, WO2005/03275, WO2005/03276 and EP1876226 (hereby incorporated by reference). The detergent composition preferably comprises from about 0.00003 wt % to about 0.2 wt %, from about 0.00008 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, or even from about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.04 wt % fabric hueing agent. The composition may comprise from 0.0001 wt % to 0.2 wt % fabric hueing agent, this may be especially preferred when the composition is in the form of a unit dose pouch. Suitable hueing agents are also disclosed in, e.g. WO 2007/087257 and WO2007/087243.

Additional Enzymes

The detergent additive as well as the detergent composition may comprise one or more [additional] enzymes such as a xanthan lyase, protease, lipase, cutinase, an amylase, lichenase, carbohydrase, cellulase, pectinase, mannanase, arabinase, galactanase, xylanase, oxidase, e.g., a laccase, and/or peroxidase.

In general, the properties of the selected enzyme(s) should be compatible with the selected detergent, (i.e., pH-optimum, compatibility with other enzymatic and non-enzymatic ingredients, etc.), and the enzyme(s) should be present in effective amounts.

Cellulases:

Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g., the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Myceliophthora thermophila and Fusarium oxysporum disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,435,307, 5,648,263, 5,691,178, 5,776,757 and WO 89/09259.

Especially suitable cellulases are the alkaline or neutral cellulases having color care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are cellulases described in EP 0 495 257, EP 0 531 372, WO 96/11262, WO 96/29397, WO 98/08940. Other examples are cellulase variants such as those described in WO 94/07998, EP 0 531 315, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,457,046, 5,686,593, 5,763,254, WO 95/24471, WO 98/12307 and PCT/DK98/00299.

Example of cellulases exhibiting endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity (EC 3.2.1.4) are those having described in WO02/099091.

Other examples of cellulases include the family 45 cellulases described in WO96/29397, and especially variants thereof having substitution, insertion and/or deletion at one or more of the positions corresponding to the following positions in SEQ ID NO: 8 of WO 02/099091:2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 40, 42, 42a, 43, 44, 48, 53, 54, 55, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 72, 76, 79, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 95, 95d, 95h, 95j, 97, 100, 101, 102, 103, 113, 114, 117, 119, 121, 133, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140a, 141, 143a, 145, 146, 147, 150e, 150j, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160c, 160e, 160k, 161, 162, 164, 165, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 178, 181, 183, 184, 185, 186, 188, 191, 192, 195, 196, 200, and/or 20, preferably selected among P19A, G20K, Q44K, N48E, Q119H or Q146 R.

Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme™, and Carezyme™ (Novozymes NS), Clazinase™, and Puradax HA™ (Genencor International Inc.), and KAC-500(B)™ (Kao Corporation).

Proteases: The additional enzyme may be another protease or protease variant. The protease may be of animal, vegetable or microbial origin, including chemically or genetically modified mutants. Microbial origin is preferred. It may be an alkaline protease, such as a serine protease or a metalloprotease. A serine protease may for example be of the S1 family, such as trypsin, or the S8 family such as subtilisin. A metalloproteases protease may for example be a thermolysin from e.g. family M4, M5, M7 or M8.

The term “subtilases” refers to a sub-group of serine protease according to Siezen et al., Protein Engng. 4 (1991) 719-737 and Siezen et al. Protein Science 6 (1997) 501-523. Serine proteases are a subgroup of proteases characterized by having a serine in the active site, which forms a covalent adduct with the substrate. The subtilases may be divided into 6 sub-divisions, i.e. the Subtilisin family, the Thermitase family, the Proteinase K family, the Lantibiotic peptidase family, the Kexin family and the Pyrolysin family. In one aspect of the invention the protease may be a subtilase, such as a subtilisin or a variant hereof. Further the subtilases (and the serine proteases) are characterised by having two active site amino acid residues apart from the serine, namely a histidine and an aspartic acid residue.

Examples of subtilisins are those derived from Bacillus such as subtilisin lentus, Bacillus lentus, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, Bacillus licheniformis, subtilisin BPN′, subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 described in WO 89/06279 and protease PD138 (WO 93/18140). Additional serine protease examples are described in WO 98/020115, WO 01/44452, WO 01/58275, WO 01/58276, WO 03/006602 and WO 04/099401. An example of a subtilase variants may be those having mutations in any of the positions: 3, 4, 9, 15, 27, 36, 68, 76, 87, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 118, 120, 123, 128, 129, 130, 160, 167, 170, 194, 195, 199, 205, 217, 218, 222, 232, 235, 236, 245, 248, 252 and 274 using the BPN′ numbering. More preferred the subtilase variants may comprise the mutations: S3T, V41, S9R, A15T, K27R, *36D, V68A, N76D, N87S,R, *97E, A98S, S99G,D,A, S99AD, S101G,M,R S103A, V104I,Y,N, S106A, G118V,R, H120D,N, N123S, S128L, P129Q, S130A, G160D, Y167A, R170S, A194P, G195E, V199M, V205I, L217D, N218D, M222S, A232V, K235L, Q236H, Q245R, N252K, T274A (using BPN′ numbering). A further preferred protease is the alkaline protease from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483, as described for example in WO 95/23221, and variants thereof which are described in WO 92/21760, WO 95/23221, EP 1921147 and EP 1921148.

Examples of trypsin-like proteases are trypsin (e.g. of porcine or bovine origin) and the Fusarium protease described in WO 89/06270 and WO 94/25583. Examples of useful proteases are the variants described in WO 92/19729, WO 98/20115, WO 98/20116, and WO 98/34946, especially the variants with substitutions in one or more of the following positions: 27, 36, 57, 76, 87, 97, 101, 104, 120, 123, 167, 170, 194, 206, 218, 222, 224, 235, and 274.

Examples of metalloproteases are the neutral metalloprotease as described in WO 07/044993.

Preferred commercially available protease enzymes include Alcalase™, Coronase™, Duralase™, Durazym™, Esperase™, Everlase™, Kannase™, Liquanase™, Liquanase Ultra™, Ovozyme™, Polarzyme™, Primase™, Relase™, Savinase™ and Savinase Ultra™, (Novozymes NS), Axapem™ (Gist-Brocases N.V.), BLAP and BLAP X (Henkel AG & Co. KGaA), Excellase™, FN2™, FN3™, FN4™, Maxaca™, Maxapem™, Maxatase™, Properase™, Purafast™, Purafect™, Purafect OxP™, Purafect Prime™ and Puramax™ (Genencor int.).

Lipases and Cutinases: Suitable lipases and cutinases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutant enzymes are included. Examples include lipase from Thermomyces, e.g. from T. lanuginosus (previously named Humicola lanuginosa) as described in EP258068 and EP305216, cutinase from Humicola, e.g. H. insolens (WO96/13580), lipase from strains of Pseudomonas (some of these now renamed to Burkholderia), e.g. P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes (EP218272), P. cepacia (EP331376), P. sp. strain SD705 (WO95/06720 & WO96/27002), P. wisconsinensis (WO96/12012), GDSL-type Streptomyces lipases (WO10/065455), cutinase from Magnaporthe grisea (WO10/107560), cutinase from Pseudomonas mendocina (U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,536), lipase from Thermobifida fusca (WO11/084412), Geobacillus stearothermophilus lipase (WO11/084417), lipase from Bacillus subtilis (WO11/084599), and lipase from Streptomyces griseus (WO11/150157) and S. pristinaespiralis (WO12/137147).

Further examples are lipases sometimes referred to as acyltransferases or perhydrolases, e.g. acyltransferases with homology to Candida antarctica lipase A (WO10/111143), acyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis (WO05/56782), perhydrolases from the CE 7 family (WO09/67279), and variants of the M. smegmatis perhydrolase in particular the 554V variant used in the commercial product Gentle Power Bleach from Huntsman Textile Effects Pte Ltd (WO10/100028).

Other examples are lipase variants such as those described in EP407225, WO92/05249, WO94/01541, WO94/25578, WO95/14783, WO95/30744, WO95/35381, WO95/22615, WO96/00292, WO97/04079, WO97/07202, WO00/34450, WO00/60063, WO01/92502, WO07/87508 and WO09/109500.

Preferred commercial lipase products include include Lipolase™, Lipex™; Lipolex™ and Lipoclean™ (Novozymes NS), Lumafast (originally from Genencor) and Lipomax (originally from Gist-Brocades).

Amylases

The amylase may be an alpha-amylase, a beta-amylase or a glucoamylase and may be of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g., a special strain of Bacillus licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1,296,839.

Examples of amylases are those having SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 95/10603 or variants having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3 thereof. Preferred variants are described in WO 94/02597, WO 94/18314, WO 97/43424 and SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99/019467, such as variants with substitutions in one or more of the following positions: 15, 23, 105, 106, 124, 128, 133, 154, 156, 178, 179, 181, 188, 190, 197, 201, 202, 207, 208, 209, 211, 243, 264, 304, 305, 391, 408, and 444 of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 95/10603.

Further amylases which can be used are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 02/010355 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6. Preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 6 are those having a deletion in positions 181 and 182 and a substitution in position 193.

Other amylase examples are hybrid alpha-amylase comprising residues 1-33 of the alpha-amylase derived from B. amyloliquefaciens shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 of WO 2006/066594 and residues 36-483 of the B. licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 2006/066594 or variants having 90% sequence identity thereof. Preferred variants of this hybrid alpha-amylase are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one of more of the following positions: G48, T49, G107, H156, A181, N190, M197, 1201, A209 and Q264. Most preferred variants of the hybrid alpha-amylase comprising residues 1-33 of the alpha-amylase derived from B. amyloliquefaciens shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 of WO 2006/066594 and residues 36-483 of SEQ ID NO: 4 are those having the substitutions: M197T; H156Y+A181T+N190F+A209V+Q264S; or G48+T49+G107+H156+A181+N190+1201+A209+Q264.

Further amylase examples are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 99/019467 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6. Preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 6 are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one or more of the following positions: R181, G182, H183, G184, N195, 1206, E212, E216 and K269. Particularly preferred amylases are those having deletion in positions G182 and H183 or positions H183 and G184.

Additional amylases are those having SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 7 of WO 96/023873 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 7. Preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 7 are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one or more of the following positions: 140, 181, 182, 183, 184, 195, 206, 212, 243, 260, 269, 304 and 476. More preferred variants are those having a deletion in positions 182 and 183 or positions 183 and 184. Most preferred amylase variants of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 7 are those having a deletion in positions 183 and 184 and a substitution in positions 140, 195, 206, 243, 260, 304 and 476.

Other amylases which can be used are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 08/153815, SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 01/66712 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 08/153815 or 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 01/66712. Preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 01/66712 are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one of more of the following positions: 176, 177, 178, 179, 190, 201, 207, 211 and 264.

Further amylases which can be used are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 09/061380 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. Preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 2 are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one of more of the following positions: Q87, Q98, S125, N128, T131, T165, K178, R180, S181, T182, G183, M201, F202, N225, S243, N272, N282, Y305, R309, D319, Q320, Q359, K444 and G475. More preferred variants of SEQ ID NO: 2 are those having the substitution in one of more of the following positions: Q87E,R, Q98R, S125A, N128C, T131I, T165I, K178L, T182G, M201L, F202Y, N225E,R, N272E,R, S243Q,A,E,D, Y305R, R309A, Q320R, Q359E, K444E and G475K and/or deletion in position R180 and/or S181. Most preferred amylase variants of SEQ ID NO: 2 are those having the substitutions:

N128C+K178L+T182G+Y305R+G475K;

N128C+K178L+T182G+F202Y+Y305R+D319T+G475K;

S125A+N128C+K178L+T182G+Y305R+G475K; or

S125A+N128C+T131I+T165I+K178L+T182G+Y305R+G475K wherein the variant optionally further comprises a substitution at position 243 and/or a deletion at position 180 and/or position 181.

Other amylases are variants of SEQ ID NO: 1 of WO 2016/203064 having at least 75% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 thereof. Preferred variants are variants comprising a modification in one or more positions corresponding to positions 1, 54, 56, 72, 109, 113, 116, 134, 140, 159, 167, 169, 172, 173, 174, 181, 182, 183, 184, 189, 194, 195, 206, 255, 260, 262, 265, 284, 289, 304, 305, 347, 391, 395, 439, 469, 444, 473, 476, or 477 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein said alpha-amylase variant has a sequence identity of at least 75% but less than 100% to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Other examples of amylases are the alpha-amylase having SEQ ID NO: 12 in WO01/66712 or a variant having at least 90%, such as at least 95%, sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12. Preferred amylase variants are those having a substitution, a deletion or an insertion in one of more of the following positions of SEQ ID NO: 12 in WO01/66712: R28, R118, N174; R181, G182, D183, G184, G186, W189, N195, M202, Y298, N299, K302, S303, N306, R310, N314; R320, H324, E345, Y396, R400, W439, R444, N445, K446, Q449, R458, N471, N484. Particular preferred amylases include variants having a deletion of D183 and G184 and having the substitutions R118K, N195F, R320K and R458K, and a variant additionally having substitutions in one or more position selected from the group: M9, G149, G182, G186, M202, T257, Y295, N299, M323, E345 and A339, most preferred a variant that additionally has substitutions in all these positions.

Commercially available amylases are Duramyl™, Termamyl™, Fungamyl™, Stainzyme™, Stainzyme Plus™, Natalase™ and BAN™ (Novozymes A/S), Rapidase™ and Purastar™ (from Genencor International Inc.).

Peroxidases/Oxidases: Suitable peroxidases/oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include peroxidases from Coprinus, e.g., from C. cinereus, and variants thereof as those described in WO 93/24618, WO 95/10602, and WO 98/15257.

Commercially available peroxidases include Guardzyme™ (Novozymes NS).

The detergent enzyme(s) may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all of these enzymes. A detergent additive of the invention, i.e., a separate additive or a combined additive, can be formulated, for example, as a granulate, liquid, slurry, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are granulates, in particular non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, or slurries.

Non-dusting granulates may be produced, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,106,991 and 4,661,452 and may optionally be coated by methods known in the art. Examples of waxy coating materials are poly(ethylene oxide) products (polyethyleneglycol, PEG) with mean molar weights of 1000 to 20000; ethoxylated nonylphenols having from 16 to 50 ethylene oxide units; ethoxylated fatty alcohols in which the alcohol contains from 12 to 20 carbon atoms and in which there are 15 to 80 ethylene oxide units; fatty alcohols; fatty acids; and mono- and di- and triglycerides of fatty acids. Examples of film-forming coating materials suitable for application by fluid bed techniques are given in GB 1483591. Liquid enzyme preparations may, for instance, be stabilized by adding a polyol such as propylene glycol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid or boric acid according to established methods. Protected enzymes may be prepared according to the method disclosed in EP 238,216.

Adjunct Materials

Any detergent components known in the art for use in laundry detergents may also be utilized. Other optional detergent components include anti-corrosion agents, anti-shrink agents, anti-soil redeposition agents, anti-wrinkling agents, bactericides, binders, corrosion inhibitors, disintegrants/disintegration agents, dyes, enzyme stabilizers (including boric acid, borates, CMC, and/or polyols such as propylene glycol), fabric conditioners including clays, fillers/processing aids, fluorescent whitening agents/optical brighteners, foam boosters, foam (suds) regulators, perfumes, soil-suspending agents, softeners, suds suppressors, tarnish inhibitors, and wicking agents, either alone or in combination. Any ingredient known in the art for use in laundry detergents may be utilized. The choice of such ingredients is well within the skill of the artisan.

Dispersants:

The detergent compositions of the present invention can also contain dispersants. In particular, powdered detergents may comprise dispersants. Suitable water-soluble organic materials include the homo- or co-polymeric acids or their salts, in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Suitable dispersants are for example described in Powdered Detergents, Surfactant science series volume 71, Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents:

The detergent compositions of the present invention may also include one or more dye transfer inhibiting agents. Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles or mixtures thereof. When present in a subject composition, the dye transfer inhibiting agents may be present at levels from about 0.0001% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 5% or even from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the composition.

Fluorescent Whitening Agent:

The detergent compositions of the present invention will preferably also contain additional components that may tint articles being cleaned, such as fluorescent whitening agent or optical brighteners. Where present the brightener is preferably at a level of about 0.01% to about 0.5%. Any fluorescent whitening agent suitable for use in a laundry detergent composition may be used in the composition of the present invention. The most commonly used fluorescent whitening agents are those belonging to the classes of diaminostilbene-sulphonic acid derivatives, diarylpyrazoline derivatives and bisphenyl-distyryl derivatives. Examples of the diaminostilbene-sulphonic acid derivative type of fluorescent whitening agents include the sodium salts of: 4,4′-bis-(2-diethanolamino-4-anilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene-2,2′-disulphonate; 4,4′-bis-(2,4-dianilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene-2.2′-disulphonate; 4,4′-bis-(2-anilino-4(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxy-ethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene-2,2′-disulphonate, 4,4′-bis-(4-phenyl-2,1,3-triazol-2-yl)stilbene-2,2′-disulphonate; 4,4′-bis-(2-anilino-4(1-methyl-2-hydroxy-ethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene-2,2′-disulphonate and 2-(stilbyl-4″-naptho-1.,2′:4,5)-1,2,3-trizole-2″-sulphonate. Preferred fluorescent whitening agents are Tinopal DMS and Tinopal CBS available from Ciba-Geigy AG, Basel, Switzerland. Tinopal DMS is the disodium salt of 4,4′-bis-(2-morpholino-4 anilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene disulphonate. Tinopal CBS is the disodium salt of 2,2′-bis-(phenyl-styryl) disulphonate. Also preferred are fluorescent whitening agents is the commercially available Parawhite KX, supplied by Paramount Minerals and Chemicals, Mumbai, India. Other fluorescers suitable for use in the invention include the 1-3-diaryl pyrazolines and the 7-alkylaminocoumarins. Suitable fluorescent brightener levels include lower levels of from about 0.01, from 0.05, from about 0.1 or even from about 0.2 wt % to upper levels of 0.5 or even 0.75 wt %.

Soil Release Polymers:

The detergent compositions of the present invention may also include one or more soil release polymers which aid the removal of soils from fabrics such as cotton and polyester based fabrics, in particular the removal of hydrophobic soils from polyester based fabrics. The soil release polymers may for example be nonionic or anionic terephthalte based polymers, polyvinyl caprolactam and related copolymers, vinyl graft copolymers, polyester polyamides see for example Chapter 7 in Powdered Detergents, Surfactant science series volume 71, Marcel Dekker, Inc. Another type of soil release polymers is amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers comprising a core structure and a plurality of alkoxylate groups attached to that core structure. The core structure may comprise a polyalkylenimine structure or a polyalkanolamine structure as described in detail in WO 2009/087523 (hereby incorporated by reference). Furthermore random graft co-polymers are suitable soil release polymers Suitable graft co-polymers are described in more detail in WO 2007/138054, WO 2006/108856 and WO 2006/113314 (hereby incorporated by reference). Other soil release polymers are substituted polysaccharide structures especially substituted cellulosic structures such as modified cellulose deriviatives such as those described in EP 1867808 or WO 2003/040279 (both are hereby incorporated by reference). Suitable cellulosic polymers include cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides and mixtures thereof. Suitable cellulosic polymers include anionically modified cellulose, nonionically modified cellulose, cationically modified cellulose, zwitterionically modified cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Suitable cellulosic polymers include methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, ester carboxy methyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

Anti-Redeposition Agents:

The detergent compositions of the present invention may also include one or more anti-redeposition agents such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyoxyethylene and/or polyethyleneglycol (PEG), homopolymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid, and ethoxylated polyethyleneimines. The cellulose based polymers described under soil release polymers above may also function as anti-redeposition agents.

Other suitable adjunct materials include, but are not limited to, anti-shrink agents, anti-wrinkling agents, bactericides, binders, carriers, dyes, enzyme stabilizers, fabric softeners, fillers, foam regulators, hydrotropes, perfumes, pigments, sod suppressors, solvents, and structurants for liquid detergents and/or structure elasticizing agents.

Formulation of Detergent Products

The detergent composition may be in any convenient form, e.g., a bar, a homogenous tablet, a tablet having two or more layers, a pouch having one or more compartments, a regular or compact powder, a granule, a paste, a gel, or a regular, compact or concentrated liquid. There are a number of detergent formulation forms such as layers (same or different phases), pouches, as well as forms for machine dosing unit.

Pouches can be configured as single or multicompartments. It can be of any form, shape and material which is suitable for hold the composition, e.g. without allowing the release of the composition from the pouch prior to water contact. The pouch is made from water soluble film which encloses an inner volume. Said inner volume can be divided into compartments of the pouch. Preferred films are polymeric materials preferably polymers which are formed into a film or sheet. Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivates thereof are selected polyacrylates, and water soluble acrylate copolymers, methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, sodium dextrin, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, malto dextrin, poly methacrylates, most preferably polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and, hydroxyprpyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Preferably the level of polymer in the film for example PVA is at least about 60%. Preferred average molecular weight will typically be about 20,000 to about 150,000. Films can also be of blend compositions comprising hydrolytically degradable and water soluble polymer blends such as polyactide and polyvinyl alcohol (known under the Trade reference M8630 as sold by Chris Craft In. Prod. Of Gary, Ind., US) plus plasticisers like glycerol, ethylene glycerol, Propylene glycol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof. The pouches can comprise a solid laundry cleaning composition or part components and/or a liquid cleaning composition or part components separated by the water soluble film. The compartment for liquid components can be different in composition than compartments containing solids. Ref: (US2009/0011970 A1).

Detergent ingredients can be separated physically from each other by compartments in water dissolvable pouches or in different layers of tablets. Thereby negative storage interaction between components can be avoided. Different dissolution profiles of each of the compartments can also give rise to delayed dissolution of selected components in the wash solution.

A liquid or gel detergent, which is not unit dosed, may be aqueous, typically containing at least 20% by weight and up to 95% water, such as up to about 70% water, up to about 65% water, up to about 55% water, up to about 45% water, up to about 35% water. Other types of liquids, including without limitation, alkanols, amines, diols, ethers and polyols may be included in an aqueous liquid or gel. An aqueous liquid or gel detergent may contain from 0-30% organic solvent. A liquid or gel detergent may be non-aqueous.

Laundry Soap Bars

The enzymes of the invention may be added to laundry soap bars and used for hand washing laundry, fabrics and/or textiles. The term laundry soap bar includes laundry bars, soap bars, combo bars, syndet bars and detergent bars. The types of bar usually differ in the type of surfactant they contain, and the term laundry soap bar includes those containing soaps from fatty acids and/or synthetic soaps. The laundry soap bar has a physical form which is solid and not a liquid, gel or a powder at room temperature. The term solid is defined as a physical form which does not significantly change over time, i.e. if a solid object (e.g. laundry soap bar) is placed inside a container, the solid object does not change to fill the container it is placed in. The bar is a solid typically in bar form but can be in other solid shapes such as round or oval.

The laundry soap bar may contain one or more additional enzymes, protease inhibitors such as peptide aldehydes (or hydrosulfite adduct or hemiacetal adduct), boric acid, borate, borax and/or phenylboronic acid derivatives such as 4-formylphenylboronic acid, one or more soaps or synthetic surfactants, polyols such as glycerine, pH controlling compounds such as fatty acids, citric acid, acetic acid and/or formic acid, and/or a salt of a monovalent cation and an organic anion wherein the monovalent cation may be for example Na⁺, K⁺ or NH₄ ⁺ and the organic anion may be for example formate, acetate, citrate or lactate such that the salt of a monovalent cation and an organic anion may be, for example, sodium formate.

The laundry soap bar may also contain complexing agents like EDTA and HEDP, perfumes and/or different type of fillers, surfactants e.g. anionic synthetic surfactants, builders, polymeric soil release agents, detergent chelators, stabilizing agents, fillers, dyes, colorants, dye transfer inhibitors, alkoxylated polycarbonates, suds suppressers, structurants, binders, leaching agents, bleaching activators, clay soil removal agents, anti-redeposition agents, polymeric dispersing agents, brighteners, fabric softeners, perfumes and/or other compounds known in the art.

The laundry soap bar may be processed in conventional laundry soap bar making equipment such as but not limited to: mixers, plodders, e.g a two stage vacuum plodder, extruders, cutters, logo-stampers, cooling tunnels and wrappers. The invention is not limited to preparing the laundry soap bars by any single method. The premix of the invention may be added to the soap at different stages of the process. For example, the premix containing a soap, an enzyme, optionally one or more additional enzymes, a protease inhibitor, and a salt of a monovalent cation and an organic anion may be prepared and and the mixture is then plodded. The enzyme and optional additional enzymes may be added at the same time as the protease inhibitor for example in liquid form. Besides the mixing step and the plodding step, the process may further comprise the steps of milling, extruding, cutting, stamping, cooling and/or wrapping.

Method of Producing the Composition

The present invention also relates to methods of producing the composition. The method may be relevant for the (storage) stability of the detergent composition: e.g. Soap bar premix method WO2009155557.

Uses

The present invention is also directed to methods for using the compositions thereof. The present invention may be used for example in any application which requires the degradation of xanthan gum, such as in detergents and in the oil industry. In the oil industry xanthan gum is used for increasing the viscosity of the drilling fluid, in particular the drilling mud. In all such uses there will also be the need to decrease the viscosity by degrading the xanthan gum, and for such viscosity reduction a composition of the invention comprising a xanthan lyase and a GH9 endoglucanase (e.g. variants thereof according to the present invention) having activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase may suitable be used.

Use to Degrade Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum has been used as an ingredient in many consumer products including foods and cosmetics and has found use in the oil industry. Therefore, the degradation of xanthan gum can result in improved cleaning processes, such as the easier removal of stains containing gums, such as xanthan gum, as well as the degradation of xanthan gum, which is often used in the oil and drilling industry. Thus, the present invention is directed to the use of GH9 endoglucanases (e.g. variants of the present invention) of the invention or compositions thereof to degrade xanthan gum. The present invention is also directed to the use of xanthan lyases of the invention or compositions thereof to degrade xanthan gum. An embodiment is the use of GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) together with xanthan lyases or compositions thereof to degrade xanthan gum. Degradation of xanthan gum can preferably be measured using the viscosity reduction assay (e.g., ViPr assay) or alternatively as described in example 4 herein.

GH9 endoglucanase activity may alternatively be measured by assessment of reducing ends on xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase using the colorimetric assay developed by Lever (1972), Anal. Biochem. 47: 273-279, 1972. A preferred embodiment is the use of 0.1% xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase. Degradation of xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase may be determined by calculating difference between blank and sample, wherein a difference of more than 0.5 mAU, preferably more than 0.6 mAU, more preferably more than 0.7 mAU or even more preferably more than 0.8 mAU, shows degradation of xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase.

Xanthan lyase activity may alternatively be measured by assessment of reducing ends liberated from xanthan gum using the colorimetric assay developed by Lever (1972), Anal. Biochem. 47: 273-279, 1972. A preferred embodiment is the use of 0.1% xanthan gum. Degradation of xanthan gum may be determined by calculating difference between blank and sample wherein a difference of more than 0.1 mAU, preferably more than 0.15 mAU, more preferably more than 0.2 mAU or even more preferably more than 0.25 mAU shows degradation of xanthan gum.

GH9 endoglucanase (e.g. variants of the present invention) and xanthan lyase activity may alternatively be measured by assessment of reducing ends liberated from xanthan gum using the colorimetric assay developed by Lever (1972), Anal. Biochem. 47: 273-279, 1972. A preferred embodiment is the use of 0.1% xanthan gum. Degradation of xanthan gum may be determined by calculating difference between blank and sample wherein a difference of more than 0.4 mAU, preferably more than 0.5 mAU, more preferably more than 0.6 mAU or even more preferably more than 0.8 mAU shows degradation of xanthan gum.

The invention also relates to methods for degrading xanthan gum comprising applying a composition comprising one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) to xanthan gum. An embodiment is a method for degrading xanthan gum comprising applying a composition comprising one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) together with one or more xanthan lyases to xanthan gum.

Use in Detergents

The present invention inter alia relates to the use of GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) or compositions thereof in cleaning processes such as the laundering of textiles and fabrics (e.g. household laundry washing and industrial laundry washing), as well as household and industrial hard surface cleaning, such as dish wash. The GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) may be added to a detergent composition comprising of one or more detergent components.

In some aspects GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) may be used together with a xanthan lyase(s) or compositions thereof in cleaning processes such as the laundering of textiles and fabrics (e.g. household laundry washing and industrial laundry washing), as well as household and industrial hard surface cleaning, such as dish wash. The GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) together with a xanthan lyase(s) may be added to a detergent composition comprising of one or more detergent components.

The polypeptides of the present invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) may be added to and thus become a component of a detergent composition. The detergent composition may be formulated, for example, as a hand or machine laundry detergent composition for both household and industrial laundry cleaning, including a laundry additive composition suitable for pre-treatment of stained fabrics and a rinse added fabric softener composition, or be formulated as a detergent composition for use in general household or industrial hard surface cleaning operations, or be formulated for hand or machine (both household and industrial) dishwashing operations. In a specific aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent additive comprising a polypeptide of the present invention as described herein.

The invention also relates to methods for degrading xanthan gum on the surface of a textile or hard surface, such as dish wash, comprising applying a composition comprising one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) to xanthan gum. In some aspects, the invention relates a method for degrading xanthan gum on the surface of a textile or hard surface, such as dish wash, comprising applying a composition comprising one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) together with one or more xanthan lyases to xanthan gum. In some aspects, the invention relates to a composition comprising one or more detergent components as described herein. Use of GH9 endoglucanases (e.g. variants of the present invention) having an enzyme detergency benefit.

It has been contemplated that the use of a GH9 endoglucanase of the invention (e.g., a variant of the invention) alone gives an enzyme detergency benefit, preferably an enzyme detergency benefit on xanthan gum.

In some aspects, the invention relates to the use of a detergent composition comprising one or more detergent components and an isolated GH9 endoglucanase of the invention (e.g. a variant of the present invention) together with a xanthan lyase. In some aspects, the invention relates to the use of a detergent composition comprising one or more detergent components and an isolated GH9 endoglucanase (e.g. a variant of the present invention) of the invention together with a xanthan lyase.

Use in the Fracturing of a Subterranean Formation (Oil Drilling)

Hydraulic fracturing is used to create subterranean fractures that extend from the borehole into rock formation in order to increase the rate at which fluids can be produced by the formation. Generally, a high viscosity fracturing fluid is pumped into the well at sufficient pressure to fracture the subterranean formation. In order to maintain the increased exposure to the formation, a solid proppant is added to the fracturing fluid which is carried into the fracture by the high pressure applied to the fluid. Once the high viscosity fracturing fluid has carried the proppant into the formation, breakers are used to reduce the fluid's viscosity which allows the proppant to settle into the fracture and thereby increase the exposure of the formation to the well. Breakers work by reducing the molecular weight of the polymers, thus ‘breaking’ or degrading the polymer. The fracture then becomes a high permeability conduit for fluids and gas to be produced back to the well. Such processes are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,360,593, 5,806,597, 5,562,160, 5,201,370 and 5,067,566.

Thus, the invention relates to the use of GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) as enzyme breakers. An embodiment of the invention is the use of GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. a variant of the present invention) together with xanthan lyases as enzyme breakers.

Accordingly, the invention provides a method for breaking xanthan gum in a well bore comprising: (i) blending together a gellable fracturing fluid comprising aqueous fluid, one or more hydratable polymers, suitable cross-linking agents for cross-linking the hydratable polymer to form a polymer gel and one or more enzymes of the invention (i.e. the enzyme breaker, e.g. a variant of the present invention); (ii) pumping the cross-linked polymer gel into the well bore under sufficient pressure to fracture the surrounding formation; and (iii) allowing the enzyme breaker to degrade the cross-linked polymer to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that the fluid can be pumped from the formation back to the well surface. As such, the GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) can be used to control the viscosity of fracturing fluids. In an embodiment, one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) together with one or more xanthan lyases can be used to control the viscosity of fracturing fluids.

The enzyme breaker of the present invention invention (e.g. a variant of the present invention) may be an ingredient of a fracturing fluid or a breaker-crosslinker-polymer complex which further comprises a hydratable polymer and a crosslinking agent. The fracturing fluid or complex may be a gel or may be gellable. The complex is useful in a method for using the complex in a fracturing fluid to fracture a subterranean formation that surrounds a well bore by pumping the fluid to a desired location within the well bore under sufficient pressure to fracture the surrounding subterranean formation. The complex may be maintained in a substantially non-reactive state by maintaining specific conditions of pH and temperature, until a time at which the fluid is in place in the well bore and the desired fracture is completed. Once the fracture is completed, the specific conditions at which the complex is inactive are no longer maintained. When the conditions change sufficiently, the complex becomes active and the breaker begins to catalyze polymer degradation causing the fracturing fluid to become sufficiently fluid to be pumped from the subterranean formation to the well surface.

Other Uses

The polypeptides of the present invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) may additionally be used in other application where it is beneficial to remove xanthan gum.

Methods Method of Degrading Xanthan Gum Wherein the Xanthan Gum is Used in Fracturing of a Subterranean Formation Perpetrated by a Well Bore

When a well is drilled, reservoir drilling fluid (RDF) is circulated within the drilling equipment to cool down and clean the drill bit, remove the drill cuttings out of the well bore, reduce friction between the drill string and the sides of the borehole, and form a filtercake in order to prevent fluid leak off into the formation. The driving force for the formation of the filtercake is the higher wellbore pressure applied to maintain the borehole stability. This filtercake restricts the inflow of reservoir fluids into the wellbore during the drilling process and placement of the completion. If the filtercake damage that is created during the drilling process is not removed prior to or during completion of the well, a range of issues can arise when the well is put on production, i.e., completion equipment failures and impaired reservoir productivity.

Drilling fluid (mud), also called reservoir drilling fluid (RDF), can be synthetic/oil based or water based. To minimize invasion of the drilling fluid into the formation, both oil based and water based mud filtercakes typically contain a bridging or weighting agent, usually particles of calcium carbonate, barite or a mixture of the two, that bridge at the pore throats of the formation and thereby form a relatively low permeability filtercake. Both oil based and water based mud filtercakes also contain solids called cuttings that have been picked up during drilling, as opposed to the bridging/weighting agents that are added in the formulation of the drilling fluid. These solids can be quartz (sand), silts and/or shales, depending on the reservoir formation as well as the formations traversed by the drilling path to the reservoir. In addition, oil based drilling muds contain water droplets that become trapped in the pore space of the filtercake, while water based mud filtercakes contain polymers, such as starch and xanthan gum, and other inorganic salts.

The formation of a mud filtercake is often necessary for drilling, particularly in unconsolidated formations with wellbore stability problems and typically high permeabilities. The filtercake is then treated with various chemicals, such as chelants or acids to dissolve the calcite component; and/or enzymes or oxidizers to degrade the polymer component to recover permeability.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for degrading xanthan gum wherein xanthan gum is used in fracturing of a subterranean formation perpetrated by a well bore by applying a composition comprising one of more enzymes of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention). The method includes the steps of: (i) pumping a treatment fluid comprising one or more enzymes of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) into the borehole in contact with the filtercake to be removed to establish a differential pressure between the treatment fluid and the formation adjacent the filtercake and (ii) evenly propagating treatment of the filtercake during the differential pressure period to delay breakthrough by the treatment fluid.

In one embodiment, the method includes establishing permeability through the treated filtercake between the formation and the borehole. In another embodiment, the filtercake include drilling solids and clays, and may be formed from an aqueous drilling fluid. If desired, the treatment fluid for treating the aqueous drilling fluid filtercake can also include an oxidizer and/or a chelant, or it can be substantially free of chelant and oxidizer additives. In another example, the filtercake can be formed from an oil or invert emulsion drilling fluid. If desired, the treatment fluid for treating the oil or invert emulsion drilling fluid filtercake can also include a mutual solvent, a water-wetting agent or a combination thereof to disperse hydrophobic components in the filtercake.

In one embodiment, the treatment fluid comprises one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention). In a preferred embodiment, the treatment fluid comprises one or more GH9 endoglucanases invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) and one or more xanthan lyases.

Method of Degrading Xanthan Gum Wherein the Xanthan Gum is a Component in Borehole Filtercake

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for cleaning borehole filtercake, comprising polymers, such as xanthan gum and drilling fluid solids once the filtercake has been pumped to the surface. Drilling mud is pumped from mud pits to the drill bit and then back out to the surface, carrying out amongst other things crushed or cut rock (cuttings) in the process. The cuttings are filtered out and the mud is returned to the mud pits where fines can settle and/or chemicals or enzymes (breakers) can be added.

The method for degrading xanthan gum wherein the xanthan gum is a component in borehole filtercake includes the steps of (i) treating the borehole filtercake with a treatment fluid comprising one or more enzymes of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) and (ii) separating the solids from the fluids. In one embodiment, the treatment fluid comprises one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention). In a preferred embodiment, the treatment fluid comprises one or more GH9 endoglucanases of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) and one or more xanthan lyases.

The borehole filtercake may be treated in mud pits with one or more enzymes of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention) and the drilling fluid can be re-circulated. Alternatively, once the filtercake has been treated with one or more enzymes of the invention invention (e.g. variants of the present invention), the solids and fluid are separated using solid-liquid separation processes, such as centrifugation.

The invention is further defined in the following paragraphs: 1. An endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of:

i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2), and

ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),

wherein said variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; preferably said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

2. The endoglucanase variant of paragraph 1, which is a variant of a parent endoglucanase selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) a polypeptide having at least 60% sequence identity to the         mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   b) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes         under low stringency conditions with (i) the mature polypeptide         coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (ii) the full-length         complement of (i);     -   c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide having at least 60%         identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO:         1; and     -   d) a fragment of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, which         has endoglucanase activity.         3. The endoglucanase variant of paragraph 2, wherein the parent         endoglucanase having at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least         70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at         least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least         99% or 100% sequence identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ         ID NO: 2.         4. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 2-3, wherein         the parent endoglucanase is encoded by a polynucleotide that         hybridizes under low stringency conditions, medium stringency         conditions, medium-high stringency conditions, high stringency         conditions, or very high stringency conditions with (i) the         mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or (ii) the         full-length complement of (i).         5. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 2-4, wherein         the parent endoglucanase is encoded by a polynucleotide having         at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at         least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least         96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% sequence         identity to the mature polypeptide coding sequence of SEQ ID NO:         1.         6. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 2-5, wherein         the parent endoglucanase comprises or consists of the mature         polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2.         7. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 2-6, wherein         the parent endoglucanase is a fragment of the mature polypeptide         of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the fragment has endoglucanase         activity.         8. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 2-7, which has         at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at         least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% identity, at         least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, but less         than 100%, sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of the         parent endoglucanase.         9. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-8, wherein         said region selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is         a chelator-induced instability region;

preferably said chelator-induced instability region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) has one or more of the following features:

i) in the presence of a chelator it is less conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or

ii) in the presence of a chelator it is more exposed to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or

iii) in the presence of a chelator it is more accessible to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or

iv) in the presence of a chelator it is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or

v) in the presence of a chelator it is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions;

further preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   vi) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   vii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   x) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   xi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   xii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   xiii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   xiv) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   xv) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2;

further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

10. The endoglucanase variant of any one of paragraphs 1-9, wherein said variant further comprises an alteration in an adjacent region, said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2.         11. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-10, wherein         in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said         region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase)         selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is less         conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent         regions;

preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iv) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID         NO: 2;

further preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

12. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-11, wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is more exposed to said detergent component than one or more or all of its adjacent regions;

preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iv) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID         NO: 2;

further preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

13. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-12, wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is more accessible to said detergent component than one or more or all of its adjacent regions;

preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

i) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2,

-   -   ii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iv) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID         NO: 2;

further preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further most preferably said chelator is the EDTA or citrate.

14. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-13, wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions;

preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iv) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID         NO: 2;

further preferably said detergent component is a chelator; further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate.

15. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-14, wherein in an aqueous solution comprising a detergent component said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions;

preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iv) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   viii) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID         NO: 2; further preferably said detergent component is a         chelator; further most preferably said chelator is EDTA or         citrate.         16. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-15, further         comprising an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or         insertion) at one or more positions in:

a) one or more regions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO:         2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from         the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,         102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,         120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,         133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond         to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the         numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214,         215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,         228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240,         241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein         said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:         2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271,         272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,         285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297,         298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343,         344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356,         357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551,         552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564,         565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577,         578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590,         591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,         617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629,         630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642,         643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655,         656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810,         811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823,         824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2), and     -   ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843,         844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856,         857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869,         870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882,         883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895,         896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908,         909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921,         922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934,         935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947,         948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960,         961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973,         974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986,         987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999,         1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009,         1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019,         1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029,         1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039,         1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2); and/or

b) an adjacent region (e.g., an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions: 51 (e.g, K51Q), 451 (e.g., K451S), 333 (e.g., W333L), 416 (e.g., Q416D)), preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,

wherein said variant has at least 60%%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably said variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, further preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity.

17. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-16, wherein said variant has at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. 18. The endoglucanase variant of any one of paragraphs 1-17, wherein said alteration at one or more position is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 19. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-18, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 285, 333, 353, *558, 558, 633, 635, 635, 635, 638, 639, 994, 281, 563, 575, 575, 921, 558+559+560+561+562, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 125, 126, 130, 213, 221, 228, 228, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 231, 231, 232, 232, 235, 240, 243, 243, 249, 278, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 297, 346, 556, 558, 558, 558, 558, 558, 558, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 560, 560, 560, 560, 561, 561, 561, 561, 561, 564, 564, 564, 564, 564, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 569, 569, 569, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 575, 575, 576, 576, 576, 578, 579, 579, 580, 583, 589, 590, 590, 590, 591, 592, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 616, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 630, 630, 630, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 638, 638, 638, 638, 638, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 641, 642, 642, 643, 643, 643, 644, 651, 810, 811, 812, 812, 812, 812, 812, 815, 815, 815, 815, 815, 823, 824, 825, 825, 825, 825, 827, 827, 827, 843, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 873, 873, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 881, 883, 884, 885, 885, 885, 887, 887, 887, 887, 887, 894, 920, 921, 921, 932, 933, 933, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 935, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 938, 939, 939, 940, 941, 941, 941, 942, 942, 943, 943, 950, 950, 950, 952, 952, 953, 954, 960, 964, 964, 966, 966, 971, 974, 974, 989, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 995, 995, 995, 995, 995, 998, 998, 1006, 1006, 1006, 1006, 1010, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1031, 1031, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1037, 1038, 1038, 1040, 1040, 1041, 1044, 1044, 1044, 1044, 1045, 1045, 559+579, 559, 579, 564+579, 564, 579, 559+579, 559, 579, 562+579, 562, 579, 564+579, 564, 579, 559+579+99, 559, 579, 99, 559+579+281, 559, 579, 281, 281+559+579, 281, 559, 579, 559+579+616, 559, 579, 616, 559+579+636, 559, 579, 636, 559+579+651, 559, 579, 651, 559+579+948, 559, 579, 948, 559+579+1009, 559, 579, 1009, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 579+921, 579, 921, 559+579+921, 559, 579, 921, 99+579, 99, 579, 579+651, 579, 651, 579+948, 579, 948, 579+1009, 579, 1009, 559+579+934, 559, 579, 934, 559+579+921+934, 559, 579, 921, 934, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 559+579+627+616, 559, 579, 627, 616, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 559+579+921+651, 559, 579, 921, 651, 559+579+921+627, 559, 579, 921, 627, 559+579+921+636, 559, 579, 921, 636, 559+579+921+616, 559, 579, 921, 616, 559+579+921+636, 559, 579, 921, 636, 559+579+921+627+636, 559, 579, 921, 627, 636, 559+579+636+651, 559, 579, 636, 651, 559+579+616+651, 559, 579, 616, 651, 559+579+616+636, 559, 579, 616, 636, 559+579+616+921+934, 559, 579, 616, 921, 934, 559+579+651+627, 559, 579, 651, 627, 559+579+651+636, 559, 579, 651, 636, 559+579+651+627+636, 559, 579, 651, 627, 636, 559+579+651+616, 559, 579, 651, 616, 559+579+651+921+934, 559, 579, 651, 921, 934, 636+934, 636, 934, 636+921, 636, 921, 636+627, 636, 627, 636+579, 636, 579, 638+934, 638, 934, 638+921, 638, 921, 638+627, 638, 627, 638+579, 638, 579, 627+51, 627, 51, 627+451, 627, 451, 627+559, 627, 559, 627+579, 627, 579, 579+934, 579, 934, 651+638, 651, 638, 570+651, 570, 651, 570+921, 570, 921, 570+627, 570, 627, 570+559, 570, 559, 570+579, 570, 579, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+579, 570, 579, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+651, 570, 651, 570+636, 570, 636, 570+934, 570, 934, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+921, 570, 921, 570+627, 570, 627, 570+559, 570, 559, 570+885, 570, 885, 885+934, 885, 934, 885+627, 885, 627, 559+579+636, 559, 579, 636, 559+579+638, 559, 579, 638, 559+579+870, 870, 559+579+560, 560, 559+579+564, 564, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 558, 559, 559, 559, 561, 564, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 579, 579, 581, 616, 627, 627, 627, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 638, 638, 643, 651, 651, 885, 885, 921, 934, 934, 966, 1011, 1031, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+560+579, 559+579+651, 559+579+651+934, 559+579+638, 559+579+921, 559+579+616+921, 559+579+636, 559+579, 559+579, 559+579+921, 559+579+616, 638+934, 627+636, 627+934, 570+579, 416+559+579+636, 416, 128+559+579+627, 128, 128+559+579+636, 579+636 of SEQ ID NO: 2, preferably numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, further preferably alterations in positions: 627, 636 or 638, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 20. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-17, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, F1048W, preferably numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, further preferably alterations in positions: K627R, S636N or F638I, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 21. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-20, wherein the total number of alterations compared to the parent endoglucanase (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2) is between 1 and 20, e.g., between 1 and 10 or between 1 and 5, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 alterations. 22. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-21, wherein said activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase is a xanthan degrading activity, preferably said xanthan degrading activity is endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity; further preferably said xanthan lyase has EC 4.2.2.12 activity. 23. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-22, wherein said variant has an improved stability in a detergent composition compared to a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2); preferably said detergent composition comprises a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate. 24. The endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-23, wherein said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of 1.0; preferably said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0. 25. The endoglucanase variant of paragraph 24, wherein said half-life improvement factor (HIF) is determined after incubation of said endoglucanase variant in a detergent composition at 25° C. for a time period from about 17 to about 20 hours. 26. A composition comprising at least one endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-25. 27. The composition of paragraph 26, wherein said composition is not a detergent composition preferably said composition is a drilling fluid. 28. The composition of any of paragraphs 26-27, further comprising one or more components; preferably said component is a chelator; further preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate. 29. The composition of any of paragraphs 26-28, further comprising one or more additional enzymes selected from the group consisting of: endoglucanases, proteases, amylases, lichenases, lipases, cutinases, cellulases, xanthan lyases, xyloglucanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, xanthanases, peroxidases, haloperoxygenases, catalases and mannanases, or any mixture thereof. 30. The composition of any of paragraphs 26-29, wherein said composition is in form of a bar, a homogenous tablet, a tablet having two or more layers, a pouch having one or more compartments, a regular or compact powder, a granule, a paste, a gel, or a regular, compact or concentrated liquid. 31. Use of an endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-25 or a composition of any of paragraphs 26-30, wherein said use is selected from the group comprising or consisting of:

i) use for degrading xanthan gum, and

ii) use for controlling the viscosity of drilling fluids.

32. The use of paragraph 31, wherein said endoglucanase variant has an enzyme detergency benefit. 33. An isolated polynucleotide encoding an endoglucanase variant of any of paragraphs 1-25. 34. A nucleic acid construct or expression vector capable of expressing a polynucleotide of paragraph 33; preferably said nucleic acid construct or said expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of paragraph 33 operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of the polypeptide in an expression host. 35. A host cell (e.g., isolated host cell, isolated recombinant host cell) comprising the polynucleotide of paragraph 33; preferably said polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more control sequences that direct the production of the polypeptide; further preferably said host cell is an isolated host cell. 36. A method for obtaining or producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising introducing into a parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2 or other parent endoglucanase) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in:

a) a region selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO:         2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected from         the group consisting of positions: 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101,         102, 103, 104, 105, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,         120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,         133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, wherein said positions correspond         to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the         numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 210, 211, 212, 213, 214,         215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,         228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240,         241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, wherein         said positions correspond to amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO:         2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 267, 268, 269, 270, 271,         272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,         285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297,         298, 299, 300, 301, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),     -   v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 339, 340, 341, 342, 343,         344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356,         357, 358, 359, 360, 361, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 547, 548, 549, 550, 551,         552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564,         565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577,         578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590,         591, 592, 593, 594, 595, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,         617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629,         630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642,         643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655,         656, 657, 658, 659, 660, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2),     -   viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 806, 807, 808, 809, 810,         811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823,         824, 825, 826, 827, 828, wherein said positions correspond to         amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering         of SEQ ID NO: 2), and     -   ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, e.g., said alteration at one or more positions selected         from the group consisting of positions: 839, 840, 841, 842, 843,         844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856,         857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869,         870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882,         883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895,         896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908,         909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921,         922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934,         935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947,         948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960,         961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973,         974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986,         987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999,         1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009,         1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019,         1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029,         1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039,         1040, 1041, 1042, wherein said positions correspond to amino         acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., using the numbering of SEQ         ID NO: 2),

and/or

b) an adjacent region (e.g., an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to positions: 51 (e.g, K51Q), 451 (e.g., K451S), 333 (e.g., W333L), 416 (e.g., Q416D)), preferably said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO:         2,     -   ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID         NO: 2,     -   vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,     -   ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID         NO: 2, and     -   x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ         ID NO: 2,

wherein said variant has at least 60%, e.g., at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, and recovering said variant; preferably said region (e.g., of SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9 is a chelator-induced instability region; further preferably said method further comprises introducing into the parent endoglucanase (e.g., with SEQ ID NO: 2 or another parent endoglucanase) an alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions in one or more regions selected from the group consisting of regions 1-9.

37. The method of paragraph 36, wherein said endoglucanase variant has at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. 38. The method of any of paragraphs 36-37, wherein said alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, 1048, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 39. The method of any of paragraphs 36-38, wherein said alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 285, 333, 353, *558, 558, 633, 635, 635, 635, 638, 639, 994, 281, 563, 575, 575, 921, 558+559+560+561+562, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 125, 126, 130, 213, 221, 228, 228, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 230, 231, 231, 232, 232, 235, 240, 243, 243, 249, 278, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 281, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 285, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 292, 297, 346, 556, 558, 558, 558, 558, 558, 558, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 559, 560, 560, 560, 560, 561, 561, 561, 561, 561, 564, 564, 564, 564, 564, 564, 565, 567, 568, 569, 569, 569, 569, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 575, 575, 576, 576, 576, 578, 579, 579, 580, 583, 589, 590, 590, 590, 591, 592, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 593, 616, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 627, 630, 630, 630, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 635, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 638, 638, 638, 638, 638, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 639, 641, 642, 642, 643, 643, 643, 644, 651, 810, 811, 812, 812, 812, 812, 812, 815, 815, 815, 815, 815, 823, 824, 825, 825, 825, 825, 827, 827, 827, 843, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 870, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 871, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 872, 873, 873, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 874, 881, 883, 884, 885, 885, 885, 887, 887, 887, 887, 887, 894, 920, 921, 921, 932, 933, 933, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 934, 935, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 937, 938, 939, 939, 940, 941, 941, 941, 942, 942, 943, 943, 950, 950, 950, 952, 952, 953, 954, 960, 964, 964, 966, 966, 971, 974, 974, 989, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 991, 995, 995, 995, 995, 995, 998, 998, 1006, 1006, 1006, 1006, 1010, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1031, 1031, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1037, 1038, 1038, 1040, 1040, 1041, 1044, 1044, 1044, 1044, 1045, 1045, 559+579, 559, 579, 564+579, 564, 579, 559+579, 559, 579, 562+579, 562, 579, 564+579, 564, 579, 559+579+99, 559, 579, 99, 559+579+281, 559, 579, 281, 281+559+579, 281, 559, 579, 559+579+616, 559, 579, 616, 559+579+636, 559, 579, 636, 559+579+651, 559, 579, 651, 559+579+948, 559, 579, 948, 559+579+1009, 559, 579, 1009, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 579+921, 579, 921, 559+579+921, 559, 579, 921, 99+579, 99, 579, 579+651, 579, 651, 579+948, 579, 948, 579+1009, 579, 1009, 559+579+934, 559, 579, 934, 559+579+921+934, 559, 579, 921, 934, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 559+579+627+616, 559, 579, 627, 616, 559+579+627, 559, 579, 627, 559+579+921+651, 559, 579, 921, 651, 559+579+921+627, 559, 579, 921, 627, 559+579+921+636, 559, 579, 921, 636, 559+579+921+616, 559, 579, 921, 616, 559+579+921+636, 559, 579, 921, 636, 559+579+921+627+636, 559, 579, 921, 627, 636, 559+579+636+651, 559, 579, 636, 651, 559+579+616+651, 559, 579, 616, 651, 559+579+616+636, 559, 579, 616, 636, 559+579+616+921+934, 559, 579, 616, 921, 934, 559+579+651+627, 559, 579, 651, 627, 559+579+651+636, 559, 579, 651, 636, 559+579+651+627+636, 559, 579, 651, 627, 636, 559+579+651+616, 559, 579, 651, 616, 559+579+651+921+934, 559, 579, 651, 921, 934, 636+934, 636, 934, 636+921, 636, 921, 636+627, 636, 627, 636+579, 636, 579, 638+934, 638, 934, 638+921, 638, 921, 638+627, 638, 627, 638+579, 638, 579, 627+51, 627, 51, 627+451, 627, 451, 627+559, 627, 559, 627+579, 627, 579, 579+934, 579, 934, 651+638, 651, 638, 570+651, 570, 651, 570+921, 570, 921, 570+627, 570, 627, 570+559, 570, 559, 570+579, 570, 579, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+579, 570, 579, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+651, 570, 651, 570+636, 570, 636, 570+934, 570, 934, 570+638, 570, 638, 570+921, 570, 921, 570+627, 570, 627, 570+559, 570, 559, 570+885, 570, 885, 885+934, 885, 934, 885+627, 885, 627, 559+579+636, 559, 579, 636, 559+579+638, 559, 579, 638, 559+579+870, 870, 559+579+560, 560, 559+579+564, 564, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 559+579+570, 570, 558, 559, 559, 559, 561, 564, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 570, 579, 579, 581, 616, 627, 627, 627, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 636, 638, 638, 643, 651, 651, 885, 885, 921, 934, 934, 966, 1011, 1031, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+570+579, 559+560+579, 559+579+651, 559+579+651+934, 559+579+638, 559+579+921, 559+579+616+921, 559+579+636, 559+579, 559+579, 559+579+921, 559+579+616, 638+934, 627+636, 627+934, 570+579, 416+559+579+636, 416, 128+559+579+627, 128, 128+559+579+636, 579+636 of the parent endoglucanase (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2), preferably the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, further preferably alterations in positions: 627, 636 or 638, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 40. The method of any of paragraphs 36-39, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and I125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, F1048W, preferably the numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2, further preferably of alterations in positions: K627R, S636N or F638I, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO: 2. 41. A method of any of paragraphs 36-40, wherein said alteration (e.g., a substitution, deletion or insertion) at one or more positions provides a variant having a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of 1.0; preferably said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0. 42. A method of producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising:

i) cultivating a host cell of paragraph 25 under conditions suitable for expression of said variant; and

ii) recovering said variant.

43. The method of paragraph 42, wherein said endoglucanase variant is a variant according to any of paragraphs 1-25. 44. A method for degrading xanthan gum comprising: applying a composition of any of paragraphs 26-30 to a xanthan gum. 45. The method of paragraph 44, wherein said xanthan gum is on a surface or hard surface. 46. The method of paragraph 44, wherein said xanthan gum is used in fracturing of a subterranean formation perpetrated by a well bore. 47. The method of paragraph 44, wherein said xanthan gum is a component in borehole filtercake. 48. Use of deuterium for identification of a chelator-induced instability region of an endoglucanase polypeptide (e.g., having SEQ ID NO: 2 or an endoglucanase variant according to any of paragraphs 1-25), preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate, further preferably said deuterium is in the form of D₂O. 49. A method for identification of a chelator-induced instability region of an endoglucanase polypeptide (e.g., having SEQ ID NO: 2 or an endoglucanase variant according to any of paragraphs 1-25), said method comprising:

i) providing in the presence of a chelator, preferably said chelator is EDTA or citrate:

-   -   a) an endoglucanase polypeptide (e.g., having SEQ ID NO: 2 or an         endoglucanase variant according to any of paragraphs 1-25),

ii) providing in the absence of the chelator:

-   -   b) the endoglucanase polypeptide according to a),

iii) providing deuterium to i) and ii) for hydrogen-deuterium exchange, preferably said deuterium is in the form of D₂O,

iv) digesting deuterated polypeptides from step iii) with pepsin,

v) identifying peptic peptides produced in step iv),

vi) quantifying and comparing deuterium incorporation into individual peptides from step v) in the presence and absence of said chelator.

The present invention is further described by the following examples that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Hydrogen Exchange—HDX

Continuous amide Hydrogen/Deuterium (H/D) exchange of the parent endoglucanase of SEQ ID NO: 2 was initiated by addition of 99.9% deuterated 20 mM Tris, 1 mM CaCl2), pH 8 in the absence or presence of 10 mM EDTA to a final deuterium concentration of 95%. H/D exchange was performed in triplicates at 22° C. at a concentration of 1 μM. At five time points ranging from 15 seconds to 1 hour the samples were quenched by addition of 1:1 (v/v) ice-cold 6M guanidinium hydrochloride, 300 mM phosphate, pH 2.05 to a final pH of 2.6. The quenched samples were immediately frozen and stored at −80° C. until LC-MS analysis. Non-deuterated samples were prepared following the same procedure, but using protiated buffers. Fully deuterated samples (95% D₂O for the parent endoglucanase of SEQ ID NO: 2) were prepared by over-night incubation in 99.9% deuterated 6M guanidinium hydrochloride and quenched in 300 mM phosphate, pH 2.3 to a final pH of 2.6.

The quenched samples were loaded into a cooled HDX-UPLC system for online pepsin digestion using an immobilized pepsin column (Pierce, Rockford, USA). The peptides were desalted using a trap column (Waters VanGuard C18, 1.7 μM, 2.1×5 mm) at a flow of 200 μl/min 0.23% formic acid for 3 min and peptides were separated by reverse phase chromatography (Waters Acquity BEH C18, 1.7 μm, 1×100 mm) using a two-step gradient from 8-18% in 2 min and 18-40% in 10 min 0.23% formic acid in acetonitrile at a flow of 40 μl/min. Positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with ion mobility was performed on the peptides using a Synapt G2 mass spectrometer (Waters, Milford, USA).

The peptic peptides of the mature parent endoglucanase of SEQ ID NO: 2 were identified by tandem mass spectrometry of non-deuterated samples using a combination of data independent (MSe) and data dependent acquisition schemes (DDA) and data-analysis in Protein Lynx Global Server v. 2.5. Deuterium incorporation of individual peptides were determined in DynamX v. 3.0 or in HXexpress (M. Guttman, D. Weis, J. Engen, K. Lee, J. Am. Soc. Mass. Spectrom. 2013, 24, 1906-1912). Statistical analysis (F-tests and student T-tests) were employed to determine statistically significant changes in H/D exchange between the analyzed protein states.

Peptides with significant changes in H/D exchange (ADX>0.5) were selected as identifying chelator-induced instability regions within SEQ ID NO: 2. The following chelator-induced instability regions were identified within within SEQ ID NO: 2: region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Example 2: Construction of GH9 Endoglucanase Variants by Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Mature Parent Endoglucanase Having SEQ ID NO: 2

A linear integration vector-system was used for cloning of the mature parent nucleotide sequence having SEQ ID NO: 1 (same also disclosed as mature peptide within SEQ ID NO: 1 of WO2013167581A1) coding for the mature parent polypeptide of the GH9 endoglucanase of SEQ ID NO: 2, and its variants. The linear integration construct was a PCR fusion made by fusing the gene between two Bacillus subtilis homologous chromosomal regions along with strong promoters and a chloramphenicol resistance marker. The fusion was made by Splicing by Overlap Extension (SOE) PCR (Horton, R. M, Hunt, H. D., Ho, S. N., Pullen, J. K. and Pease, L. R. (1989). Engineering hybrid genes without the use of restriction enzymes, or gene splicing were produced by overlap extension (Gene 77: 61-68). The SOE PCR method is also described in patent application WO 2003/095658. The gene was expressed under the control of a triple promoter system (as described in WO 99/43835), consisting of the promoters from Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase gene (amyL), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene (amyQ), and the Bacillus thuringiensis cryllIA promoter including stabilizing sequence. The gene coding for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase was used as marker (described in e.g. Diderichsen, B.; Poulsen, G. B.; Joergensen, S. T.; A useful cloning vector for Bacillus subtilis. Plasmid 30:312, 1993). The final gene constructs were integrated on the Bacillus chromosome by homologous recombination into the pectate lyase locus. The gene fragments were amplified from chromosomal DNA of the corresponding strains with gene specific primers containing overhang to the two flanking vector fragments. All genes were expressed with a Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase secretion signal having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 replacing the native secretion signal.

Variants of the mature parent GH9 endocluconase from Paenibacillus sp-62047 having SEQ ID NO: 2 as described in Examples 3-4 below were made by the megaprimer mutagenesis method using specifically designed mutagenic oligonucleotides introducing desired mutations in the resulting sequence. Design and production methods for such mutagenic oligonucleotides introducing desired mutations into target sequences are well known to those skilled in the art. Consequently, mutagenic oligos were designed and synthesized corresponding to the DNA sequence flanking the desired site(s) of mutation, separated by the DNA base pairs defining the substitutions. The final expression cassette composed the reference GH9 endocluconase from Paenibacillus sp-62047 as described above (i.e., parent GH9 endocluconase having SEQ ID NO: 1). Successful introduction of the desired substitutions was confirmed by DNA sequencing of the GH9 endogluconase gene. An aliquot of the PCR product was subsequently transformed into Bacillus subtilis. Transformants were selected on LB agar plates supplemented with 10 mM K2PO4, 0.4% extra glucose and 6 μg of chloramphenicol per ml. The resulting recombinant Bacillus subtilis clone containing the integrated expression construct was grown in liquid culture as described below. The enzyme containing supernatants were harvested and the enzymes (variants) were either stress tested using a reducing sugar assay or purified as described below.

Variants above were produced by fermentation using standard protocols (TB-glycerol media containing a standard trace metal mix as described in F. William Studier, “Protein production by auto-induction in high-density shaking cultures”, Protein Expression and Purification, 41 (2005) 207-234) and grown for 4 days at 30° C. before harvested). Supernatants of samples used for stress testing were inoculated from an overnight culture grown at 37° C. and subsequently fermented in 96-well plate format (TB-glycerol media described above without calcium in the trace metal mix for 4 days 30° C.).

Example 3: Purification of GH9 Endoglucanase Variants

The culture broth was centrifuged at 13′000 rpm (45 min, 18° C., F125-6×500 rotor) using a Sorval RC-6 plus centrifuge (ThermoFisher Scientific). The supernatant was supplemented with (NH4)2SO4 to a final concentration of 0.8 M. The mixture was filtered using 0.2 μm bottle-top rapid flow filters (Nalgene). The mixture was loaded on a 50 mL Phenyl Sepharose High Performance (GE Healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden) pre-equilibrated with 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 with 0.8 M (NH4)2SO4. Flowrate was set to 3 mL/min. After protein loading, the flow rate was increased to 5 mL/min and unbound or loosely bound protein was washed out by several column volumes of equilibration buffer. Elution was carried out by step-wise increase of elution buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0). The target protein eluted during the (75-100%) elution step. Fractions of 8 mL were collected during the purification. The fractions were evaluated using SDS-PAGE (NuPAGE, Invitrogen). Fractions eluting with 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 were pooled and desalted on a 350 mL G25 desalting column pre-equilibrated with 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5. The desalted protein solution was applied on a 20 mL Source15Q column pre-equilibrated with 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5 at 2 mL/min. Unbound or loosely bound proteins were washed using at least two column volumes of equilibration buffer until a stable UV baseline was obtained. The flow rate was raised to 4 mL/min and elution was done by a linear NaCl gradient using the elution buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5+750 mM NaCl). 3 mL fractions were collected during the purification. SDS-PAGE was used to evaluate the fractions. Pure fractions were pooled and concentrated if necessary using Vivaspin 20 (10 kDa Cut-off, Sartorius). Protein concentration was determined using absorbance measurements at 280 nm.

Example 4: Reducing Sugar Assay of GH9 Endoglucanase Variants

GH9 endoglucanase (EG) activity (EC 3.2.1.4) was determined by reducing ends on xanthan gum pre-treated with xanthan lyase using the colorimetric assay developed by Lever (1972), Anal. Biochem. 47: 273-279, 1972. Pre-treated xanthan gum is a modified form of the xanthan sugar, where the terminal pyruvated mannose from side chains is removed (prepared according to Nankai et al. (1999) from the source Keltran). The GH9 mature parent endoglucanase and its variants cleave at beta(1,4)-glucosyl bonds in the glucan backbone of pretreated xanthan gum releasing glucan with a reducing end and determined by reaction with p-Hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide (PAHBAH). The increase of colour is proportional to the enzyme activity under the conditions used in the assay (e.g., Table 1) and used to estimate the residual activity (RA), half-life (T½) and the half-life improvement factor (HIF).

TABLE 1 Description of compositions and method steps of assays Stress assay: Detergent Persil Universal Gel Assay buffer (AB) 50 mM MOPS, 4 mM CaCl2, 0.01% Triton X-100, pH 7.0 Reference sample conditions  4° C. for 17-20 hours Stress conditions 25° C. for 17-20 hours Activity assay: Substrate concentration 4 mg/mL modified xanthan gum Xanthan gum incubation 50° C. for 1 h PAHBAH solution (15 mg/mL 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide (PAHBAH), 50 g/L potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate, 20 g/L NaOH PAHBAH development 95° C. for 10 min Method steps:  1. 30 μL enzyme sample (supernatant or purified, 10-150 ppm) are mixed with 270 μL detergent using magnetic stirring for 15 minutes in a micro titer plate. This plate is designated as the “stress MTP”.  2. 20 μL of the mixture is transferred to a new MTP and diluted 100-fold using a 2-step dilution (2 × 10-fold dilution). The sample is diluted into assay buffer (AB): 50 mM MOPS, 4 mM CaCl₂, 0.01% Triton X- 100, pH 7.0. This diluted MTP is the reference MTP and is stored at 5° C. over-night (at a time interval equal to that of the stress MTP below).  3. The stress MTP is incubated at 25° C. over-night (17-20 h).  4. After over-night incubation, the stress plate is initially mixed by magnetic stirring for 15 minutes  5. The stress plate is then diluted 100-fold as described for the reference plate in step 2.  6. To assess the enzymatic activity, 50 μL of diluted enzyme:detergent sample (from both reference and stress MTPs) is mixed with 50 μL 4 mg/mL modified xanthan gum in PCR plates. The samples are then incubated at 50° C. for 1 h.  7. Finally, the level of reducing ends is estimated by adding 75 μL PAHBAH solution (15 mg/mL PAHBAH, 50 g/L potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate, 20 g/L NaOH) to all samples in the PCR plates. The samples are then incubated at 95° C. for 10 min.  8. After cooling down to room temperature, the absorbance at 405 nm is measured.  9. The residual activity (RA) can calculated using the following formula: ${R\; {A(\%)}} = {\frac{{Abs}({Stress})}{{Abs}({Ref})} \times 100\%}$ Abs(Stress): The absorbance at 405 nm of the sample in the stress MTP (incubated at 25° C. over-night) subtracted the background absorbance estimated in a blank buffer sample present in the same MTP. Abs(Ret): The absorbance at 405 nm of the sample in the reference MTP (incubated at 5° C. over-night) subtracted the background absorbance estimated in a blank buffer sample present in the same MTP. 10. Also, the half-lives for the degradation of each variant and parent endoglucanase at 25° C. are estimated using the following formula (by applying 1st order kinetics for the degradation of EG): ${{T1}/2} = {- \frac{{\ln (2)} \times T}{\ln \left( \frac{{Abs}({Stress})}{{Abs}({Ref})} \right)}}$ T: The incubation time for both the stress and reference plate. Abs(Stress) and Abs (Ret): See above in 9. 11. Half-life-improvement factors (HIFs) can then be calculated as: ${HIF} = \frac{{{T1}/2},{variant}}{{{T1}/2},{wt}}$ T1/2, variant: The half-life for a specific variant T1/2, wt: The half-life for EG wt (EG wild type), wherein said T1/2 wt is T1/2 of the mature parent endoglucanase with SEQ ID NO: 2. The HIFs results of the tested variants are shown in Tables 2-7 below: All half-life values of the variants measured in supernatant were calculated relative to the GH9 wild-type (mature parent endoclucanase with SEQ ID No: 2) T½ (measured as supernatant). All half-life values of the variants measured as purified protein were calculated relative to the GH9 wild-type (mature parent endoclucanase with SEQ ID No: 2) T½ (measured as purified protein).

TABLE 2 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half- life improvement factors (HIF) measured in supernatant Regions (as defined in example 1) Alteration HIF 4 N285G 1.35 5 W333L 1.22 5 T353D 1.80 6 N558F 1.38 7 T633V 1.12 7 D635L 2.44 7 D635M 1.23 7 D635T 1.11 7 F638Y 1.13 7 T639D 1.24 9 G994N 3.66

TABLE 3 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured in supernatant Regions (as defined in example 1) Alteration HIF 4 K281T 1.29 6 N558NP 54.03 6 G563E 1.14 6 I575M 57.57 6 I575A 1.33 9 K921D 1.36

TABLE 4 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half- life improvement factors (HIF) measured in supernatant Regions (as defined in example 1) Alteration HIF 2 I125V 1.1 2 A126R 1.1 2 K130R 1.1 3 K213R 1.2 3 A221R 1.11 3 K228E 1.1 3 K228I 1.175 3 G230F 1.15 3 G230L 1.16 3 G230A 1.15 3 G230H 1.2 3 G230N 1.1 3 G230W 1.14 3 G230T 1.17 3 F231Y 1.15 3 F231N 1.115 3 V232R 1.13 3 V232G 1.11 3 H235D 1.1 3 N240Q 1.165 3 G243K 1.12 3 G243R 1.205 3 A249N 1.115 4 A278S 1.1 4 K281F 1.1 4 K281V 1.2 4 K281Y 1.1 4 K281H 1.1 4 K281Q 1.1 4 K281N 1.2 4 K281W 1.1 4 N285L 1.9 4 N285M 1.8 4 N285S 1.2 4 N285P 1.6 4 N285T 1.1 4 N285Y 1.8 4 N285H 2.4 4 N285K 1.4 4 N285D 1.55 4 N285W 1.3 4 N285R 1.5 4 T292F 1.2 4 T292L 2 4 T292I 1.5 4 T292V 1.5 4 T292S 1.3 4 T292P 1.6 4 T292Y 1.15 4 T292Q 1.4 4 T292N 1.1 4 T292K 1.2 4 T292D 1.3 4 T292G 1.4 4 F297L 1.1 5 A346H 1.1 6 G556S 1.2 6 N558D 1.4 6 N558M 1.2 6 N558Q 1.3 6 N558I 1.2 6 N558Y 1.1 6 N558H 1.1 6 A559N 1.7 6 A559F 1.2 6 A559M 150.5 6 A559P 1.5 6 A559Y 1.3 6 A559H 1.55 6 A559Q 1.4 6 A559D 1.45 6 A559R 1.1 6 A559G 1.1 6 A559I 1.1 6 A559S 1.2 6 S560P 1.25 6 S560K 1.2 6 S560G 1.4 6 S560D 1.3 6 T561P 1.565 6 T561E 1.1 6 T561Q 1.1 6 T561S 1.1 6 T561D 1.2 6 A564I 1.5 6 A564Y 1.2 6 A564H 1.1 6 A564Q 1.15 6 A564K 1.45 6 A564E 1.4 6 E565M 1.2 6 V567F 1.1 6 K568R 1.3 6 L569F 1.2 6 L569Y 1.2 6 L569D 1.2 6 L569E 1.25 6 P570F 1.3 6 P570L 1.6 6 P570I 1.8 6 P570M 2.1 6 P570V 2.6 6 P570S 4.9 6 P570T 5.4 6 P570A 4.4 6 P570Y 2.1 6 P570H 2.6 6 P570Q 5.1 6 P570N 3.3 6 P570K 4.15 6 P570E 1.6 6 P570W 1.7 6 P570R 3.6 6 P570G 1.35 6 I575D 1.5 6 I575E 3.7 6 I576F 1.8 6 I576M 1.23 6 I576P 3.3 6 D578R 1.1 6 Y579F 1.1 6 Y579W 2.1 6 V580L 1.2 6 D583M 1.1 6 Q589G 1.1 6 P590S 1.1 6 P590T 1.1 6 P590E 1.2 6 E591L 1.45 6 G592D 1.1 6 S593P 1.4 6 S593H 1.25 6 S593Q 1.25 6 S593N 1.45 6 S593K 1.2 6 S593D 1.25 6 S593E 1.3 6 S593R 1.3 7 S616D 1.2 7 K627L 1.8 7 K627M 2.2 7 K627V 2.4 7 K627S 1.1 7 K627T 1.7 7 K627Q 2.5 7 K627R 4.3 7 I630F 1.35 7 I630V 1.2 7 I630Y 1.2 7 D635A 1.3 7 D635P 1.1 7 D635N 1.3 7 D635K 1.3 7 D635E 1.4 7 D635G 1.1 7 D635W 1.14 7 S636L 1.6 7 S636M 1.9 7 S636A 1.4 7 S636H 1.4 7 S636Q 2.4 7 S636N 2 7 S636K 1.75 7 S636R 1.3 7 F638I 1.7 7 F638V 1.4 7 F638T 1.2 7 F638L 1.1 7 F638H 1.33 7 T639V 1.1 7 T639S 1.1 7 T639L 1.15 7 T639I 2.13 7 T639M 1.2 7 T639A 2.17 7 T639E 1.84 7 T639W 1.3 7 T639G 2.08 7 Y641E 1.21 7 S642T 2.14 7 S642N 1.3 7 N643D 2.01 7 N643H 2.07 7 N643T 1.22 7 T644F 1.1 7 A651P 1.5 8 S810R 1.18 8 A811S 1.11 8 V812F 1.26 8 V812I 1.24 8 V812M 1.31 8 V812W 1.23 8 V812R 1.13 8 N815V 1.1 8 N815Y 1.1 8 N815E 1.2 8 N815W 1.1 8 N815R 1.1 8 S823Q 1.1 8 A824T 1.1 8 T825N 1.1 8 T825W 1.1 8 T825A 1.2 8 T825D 1.11 8 V827I 1.17 8 V827M 1.52 8 V827S 1.2 9 T843V 1.1 9 D870F 1.2 9 D870L 1.3 9 D870I 1.3 9 D870M 1.4 9 D870V 1.45 9 D870S 1.3 9 D870T 1.1 9 D870Y 1.1 9 D870H 1.2 9 D870Q 1.25 9 D870N 1.45 9 D870K 1.4 9 D870E 1.35 9 D870W 1.1 9 D870R 1.2 9 D870G 1.2 9 P871F 1.25 9 P871L 1.3 9 P871I 1.5 9 P871M 1.3 9 P871V 1.3 9 P871S 1.3 9 P871T 1.35 9 P871A 1.3 9 P871Y 1.2 9 P871H 1.3 9 P871Q 1.5 9 T872S 1.1 9 T872F 1.1 9 T872A 1.1 9 T872Y 1.15 9 T872H 1.55 9 T872Q 1.45 9 T872N 1.45 9 T872K 1.4 9 T872D 1.4 9 T872E 1.5 9 T872W 1.5 9 T872R 1.7 9 T872G 1.3 9 D873K 1.1 9 D873E 1.2 9 T874V 1.2 9 T874S 1.3 9 T874P 1.1 9 T874A 1.2 9 T874H 1.1 9 T874Q 1.1 9 T874N 1.2 9 T874K 1.3 9 V881Q 1.22 9 T883K 1.315 9 Y884H 1.8 9 A885F 5.44 9 A885Q 1.3 9 A885N 1.1 9 T887L 1.1 9 T887I 1.1 9 T887S 1.6 9 T887H 1.1 9 T887R 1.1 9 K894E 1.1 9 N920D 1.3 9 K921R 2.35 9 K921E 1.2 9 T932A 1.45 9 N933V 1.4 9 N933S 2.5 9 Y934G 4.8 9 Y934M 1.2 9 Y934S 3.8 9 Y934A 3.7 9 Y934Q 4.15 9 Y934N 2.8 9 Y934E 2.25 9 Y934W 1.5 9 Y934R 6 9 T935W 1.1 9 A937F 1.1 9 A937V 1.7 9 A937S 1.1 9 A937T 1.4 9 A937Q 1.1 9 A937D 1.4 9 A937E 2.6 9 V938I 1.8 9 K939I 1.8 9 K939V 3.4 9 D940E 1.1 9 N941S 2.4 9 N941H 1.6 9 N941D 1.3 9 A942P 1.7 9 A942E 1.2 9 D943Y 1.1 9 D943H 1.2 9 R950V 1.2 9 R950H 1.2 9 R950N 1.4 9 F952S 1.2 9 F952W 1.1 9 N953Y 1.7 9 G954L 1.4 9 Y960F 1.42 9 A964N 1.15 9 A964C 1.185 9 N966P 1.135 9 N966C 1.45 9 G971A 1.12 9 Q974K 1.12 9 Q974C 1.1 9 Q989I 1.115 9 Q991L 1.13 9 Q991I 1.23 9 Q991M 1.135 9 Q991V 1.16 9 Q991T 1.26 9 Q991K 1.14 9 Q991C 1.11 9 S995I 1.115 9 S995V 1.11 9 S995Q 1.12 9 S995R 1.11 9 S995C 1.26 9 G998V 1.11 9 G998A 1.12 9 S1006T 1.17 9 S1006A 1.1 9 S1006K 1.13 9 S1006R 1.15 9 Y1010W 1.14 9 L1011M 1.15 9 L1011S 1.25 9 L1011A 1.41 9 L1011Q 1.14 9 L1011N 1.12 9 L1011D 1.125 9 L1011E 1.195 9 R1029N 1.23 9 F1030M 1.13 9 K1031I 1.19 9 K1031S 1.375 9 K1031T 2.12 9 K1031H 1.225 9 V1032G 1.305 9 K1035A 1.21 9 A1037E 1.355 9 A1037W 1.56 9 S1038L 1.11 9 S1038I 1.175 9 L1040N 1.33 9 L1040E 1.105 9 G1041F 1.11 9 L1044F 1.1 9 L1044S 1.1 9 L1044N 1.1 9 L1044W 1.1 9 P1045Q 1.2 9 P1045W 1.2

TABLE 5 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured in supernatant Alteration HIF A559N + Y579F 2.8 A564E + Y579F 1.1 A559N + Y579W 3.2 G562P + Y579W 1.4 A564D + Y579W 2.1 A559N + Y579W + K99R 3.8 A559N + Y579W + K281R 3.35 K281R + A559N + Y579W 3.5 A559N + Y579W + S616D 5.6 A559N + Y579W + S636N 9 A559N + Y579W + A651P 4.2 A559N + Y579W + K948E 2.6 A559N + Y579W + K1009E 2.4 A559N + Y579W + K627R 7.8 Y579W + K921R 3.2 A559N + Y579W + K921R 6.15 K99R + Y579W 1.6 Y579W + A651P 2.7 Y579W + K948E 1.4 Y579W + K1009E 1.5 A559N + Y579W + Y934G 15.95 A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 29.45 A559N + Y579W + K627M 6.37 A559N + Y579W + K627R + S616D 18.07 A559N + Y579F + K627R 4.41 A559N + Y579W + K921R + A651P 9.86 A559N + Y579W + K921R + K627R 17.61 A559N + Y579W + K921R + S636K 5.86 A559N + Y579W + K921R + S616D 4.34 A559N + Y579W + K921R + S636N 8.89 A559N + Y579W + K921R + K627R + S636N 26.67 A559N + Y579W + S636N + A651P 9.59 A559N + Y579W + S616D + A651P 9.35 A559N + Y579W + S616D + S636K 6.52 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Y934G 19.94 A559N + Y579W + A651P + K627M 10.57 A559N + Y579W + A651P + S636K 8.15 A559N + Y579W + A651P + K627R + S636N 37.02 A559N + Y579W + A651P + S616D 8.97 A559N + Y579W + A651P + K921R + Y934G 21.13 S636N + Y934G 1.55 S636N + K921R 1.36 S636N + K627R 2.41 S636N + Y579W 1.57 F638I + Y934G 3.01 F638I + K921R 1.44 F638I + K627R 2.22 F638I + Y579W 1.31 K627R + K51Q 1.25 K627R + K451S 1.42 K627R + A559N 1.54 K627R + Y579W 3.845 Y579W + Y934G 4.05 A651P + F638I 1.2 P570Q + A651P 2.7 P570Q + K921R 1.6 P570Q + K627R 5.1 P570Q + A559N 1.8 P570Q + Y579W 3.35 P570Q + F638I 1.2 P570K + Y579W 2.6 P570K + F638I 1.45 P570T + A651P 2.6 P570T + S636N 3.4 P570T + Y934G 4.3 P570T + F638I 1.35 P570T + K921R 1.45 P570T + K627R 3.85 P570T + A559N 1.8 P570T + A885F 1.2 A885F + Y934G 1.5 A885F + K627R 1.2 A559N + Y579W + S636L 1.27 A559N + Y579W + F638I 2.075 A559N + Y579W + D870M 1.125 A559N + Y579W + S560P 4.09 A559N + Y579W + A564I 1.25 A559N + Y579W + P570N 2.825 A559N + Y579W + P570K 5.22 A559N + Y579W + P570R 5.445 A559N + Y579W + P570A 4.07 A559N + Y579W + P570T 3.785 A559N + Y579W + P570S 3.89 A559N + Y579W + P570Q 3.25 A559N + Y579W + P570H 3.68

TABLE 6 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured in purified samples Regions (as defined in example 1) Alteration HIF 6 N558E 1.1 6 A559P 1.4 6 A559N 1.6 6 A559H 1.5 6 T561P 1.1 6 A564E 1.2 6 P570A 7 6 P570Q 7 6 P570R 7 6 P570S 7 6 P570K 6.7 6 P570T 6.3 6 P570N 2.9 6 Y579W 2.5 6 Y579F 1.3 6 T581M 1.2 7 S616D 1.4 7 K627R 2.1 7 K627M 2.1 7 K627Q 1.2 7 S636N 1.8 7 S636Q 1.5 7 S636R 1.4 7 S636K 1.4 7 S636M 1.3 7 S636H 1.1 7 F638I 1.6 7 F638L 1.2 7 N643D 1.5 7 A651P 1.3 7 A651S 1.2 9 A885F 1.1 9 A885Q 1.1 9 K921R 4.2 9 Y934R 14 9 Y934G 6.2 9 N966C 1.3 9 L1011A 1.1 9 K1031I 1.3

TABLE 7 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured in purified samples Alteration HIF N558K + A559K + S560F + T561P + G562W 3.8 A559N + P570A + Y579W 4.6 A559N + P570H + Y579W 3.5 A559N + P570K + Y579W 10.2 A559N + P570N + Y579W 3.4 A559N + P570Q + Y579W 4.5 A559N + P570R + Y579W 5.5 A559N + P570S + Y579W 5 A559N + P570T + Y579W 6 A559N + S560P + Y579W 2.9 A559N + Y579W + A651P 1.6 A559N + Y579W + A651P + Y934G 6.5 A559N + Y579W + F638I 1.6 A559N + Y579W + K921R 1.4 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R 7.4 A559N + Y579W + S636N 1.8 A559N + Y579F 1.7 A559N + Y579W 4.2 A559N + Y579W + K921R 5.8 A559N + Y579W + S616D 5.7 F638I + Y934G 1.8 K627R + S636N 1.5 K627R + Y934G 2.8 P570K + Y579W 3.1 Q416D + A559N + Y579W + S636N 3.9 S128X + A559N + Y579W + K627R 12.7 S128X + A559N + Y579W + S636N 7.6

Example 5: Half-Life Improvement Factors (HIFs) of Endoglucanase Variants with Mutations in Chelator-Induced Instability Regions and Adjacent Regions

Variants of the mature parent endoglucanase of SEQ ID NO: 2 were prepared and purified as described above in Examples 2 and 3. For the purposes of this example, variants were produced having mutations in at least one chelator-induced instability region (regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and, optionally, in at least one adjacent region (regions 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19). The in-detergent stability of the variants was determined as described in Example 4 by measuring the enzymatic activity present in purified samples of the variants after incubation with detergent. Incubation was performed using a 90% or 95% concentration of Persil Universal Gel detergent (PUG), with incubation at a temperature of 25, 26, 28, or 30° C. and a variant incubation time ranging from 1½ hours to up to 720 hours.

Half-lives and HIFs were calculated as described above in Example 4. In cases where the difference in stability between wild-type and variants was too large to accurately assess half-life for both wild-type and variant using the same incubation time, the incubation time for wild-type and variant is different, e.g. 1 h for wild-type and up to 720 h for the most stable variants.

Tables 8-12 below show the HIF for the purified variants along with information on the test conditions (incubation temperature, detergent concentration, incubation time) for each variant.

TABLE 8 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured at a temperature of 25° C. Alterations compared to reference PUG (detergent Incubation (SEQ ID NO: 2) concentration) time (hrs) HIF Reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) 1 A885F 90% PUG 16 1.1 S595L 90% PUG 16 1.1 T292A 90% PUG 18 1.1 F638I 90% PUG 16 1.5 P570G + V837I 90% PUG 16 2.1

TABLE 9 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured at a temperature of 26° C. Alterations compared to reference PUG (detergent Incubation (SEQ ID NO: 2) concentration) time (hrs) HIF Reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) 1 S593N 90% PUG 18 1.1 A957L 90% PUG 18 1.1 A942P 90% PUG 18 1.2 K281R 90% PUG 18.15 1.2 T932A 90% PUG 18 1.4 V938I 90% PUG 18 1.4 N933S 90% PUG 18 1.5 A937E 90% PUG 18 1.6 Y884H 90% PUG 18 1.9 N941S 90% PUG 18 2.1 F638I 90% PUG 18.5 2.2 Y579W + K451Q 90% PUG 18 2.3 K939V 90% PUG 18 2.5 T711S + Y579W 90% PUG 19.5 2.6 Y579W + K451S + T972K 90% PUG 18 2.8 K713R + Y579W 90% PUG 19.5 2.9 A564I 90% PUG 18 2.9

TABLE 10 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured at a temperature of 28° C. Alterations compared to reference PUG (detergent Incubation (SEQ ID NO: 2) concentration) time (hrs) HIF Reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) 1 Y579W + Q834E 90% PUG 5.5 3.5 Y579W + E408D 90% PUG 5.5 3.9

TABLE 11 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured at a temperature of 30° C. Incubation PUG (detergent time Alterations compared to reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) concentration) (hrs) HIF Reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) 1 A559N + Y579W + T639G 90% PUG 16 3.5 A559N + Y579W + T639I + R898Q 90% PUG 16 3.5 K451S + K627R 90% PUG 16 3.8 Q416S + F638I 90% PUG 16 3.9 V4T + A559N + Y579W 90% PUG 16 3.9 F638I + K921R 90% PUG 16 4.0 Q416S + S636N 90% PUG 16 4.1 S636N + K921R 90% PUG 16 4.1 Y579W + S636N 90% PUG 16 4.1 Y55M + K627R + Y1042N 90% PUG 16 4.5 A559N + Y579W + S636L 90% PUG 16 4.7 H149X + A559N + K627R 90% PUG 16 5.2 A448W + A559N + Y579W 90% PUG 16 5.7 K627R + K921R 90% PUG 16 5.9 E53Y + N216R + K627R 90% PUG 16 6.1 E53Y + K627R 90% PUG 16 6.3 K627R + F638I 90% PUG 16 6.5 A448E + Y934G 90% PUG 16 6.7 A559N + Y579W + A651P + S835A 90% PUG 168 6.7 P570K + F638I 90% PUG 16 7.0 E53Y + N216R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 7.4 F20P + F638I 90% PUG 16 7.4 K451S + A559N + Y579W + S636N 90% PUG 168 8.5 F20P + A559N + Y579W 90% PUG 16 8.7 K451S + A559N + Y579W + S636N 90% PUG 168 9.0 E408S + A559N + Y579W 90% PUG 16 9.6 Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 16 9.9 P570T + Y934G 90% PUG 16 11.4 K512P + P570K 90% PUG 168 11.6 P570Q + K627R 90% PUG 16 11.6 A559N + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 16 11.7 A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P 90% PUG 168 13.2 P570T + E408D 90% PUG 16 14.3 F20P + K627R 90% PUG 16 16.1 A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D 90% PUG 168 17.3 A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + K921R 90% PUG 168 18.0 E408D + A651P 90% PUG 16 18.4 P570Q + Y579W 90% PUG 16 19.0 Y55M + A559N + Y579W + A651P + Y934G 90% PUG 168 19.6 K51Q + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 19.8 E408D + A559N + P570A + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 16 20.7 E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + F638I + A885F + 90% PUG 16 20.7 K921R E408D + Q416S + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + 90% PUG 16 20.7 Y934G F20N + K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 20.7 F20N + S616D + K627R + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 20.7 F20N + S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P + Y934G 90% PUG 16 20.7 K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 20.7 P570K + K627R + F638I 90% PUG 16 20.7 P570Q + E408D 90% PUG 16 20.7 P570R + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 16 20.7 P570S + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 16 20.7 S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 20.7 A559N + S560P + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 16 21.3 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 21.7 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R 90% PUG 16 22.2 K627R + A651P + Y934G 90% PUG 138 24.4 F20P + F638I 90% PUG 138 25.7 S616D + K627R + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 25.7 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 16 25.7 E408D + Y934G 90% PUG 16 25.9 E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 16 26.0 S616D + K921R + Y934G F20P + E53Y + Q416D + A448E + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 26.1 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + K921R 90% PUG 16 26.1 V56M + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 26.9 E53Y + Y55M + E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + 90% PUG 16 27.8 K921R + Y934G K627R + F638I + Y934G 90% PUG 138 27.8 K51Q + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 28.0 K451S + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S636N 90% PUG 168 28.1 S616D + K627R + A651P + K921R + Y934G + G994D 90% PUG 138 28.4 F20N + S616D + K627R + S636N + Y934G 90% PUG 138 28.5 A448E + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 28.5 E408D + K451S + A651P 90% PUG 16 28.6 K627R + S636N + Y934G 90% PUG 138 28.7 K627R + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 28.9 S607C + S1038G 90% PUG 138 29.0 K627R + S636K + Y934G 90% PUG 138 30.0 F20P + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 30.7 A559N + Y579W + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 30.9 F20N + S616D + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 30.9 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + 90% PUG 16 31.3 Y934G P570Q + Y579W 90% PUG 138 31.5 K627R + Q834E + Y934G 90% PUG 138 31.6 Q416S + A448W + A559N + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 31.9 P570K + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 32.3 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R 90% PUG 138 32.9 F20N + S616D + K627R + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 33.4 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K627R + K921R + 90% PUG 16 33.8 Y934G K512P + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 33.8 S616D + K627R + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 34.6 S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 34.9 F20P + A448E + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 35.5 K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 36.1 F20N + E408D + Q416S + A559N + Y579W + S616D + 90% PUG 16 36.1 K921R + Y934G P570K + K627R + F638I 90% PUG 138 36.1 S616D + K627R + S636N + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 36.5 F20N + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 36.9 P570T + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 36.9 F20P + E53Y + Q416D + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 37.1 F20P + E53Y + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 37.3 P570Q + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 38.1 P570K + Y579W + Y934Q 90% PUG 138 38.1 F20N + S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P + Y934G 90% PUG 138 39.4 P570S + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 138 39.6 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 138 40.1 S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P + Y934G 90% PUG 138 41.5 Q416D + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 138 41.9 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + A651P 90% PUG 138 42.2 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + A651P 90% PUG 168 42.2 P570K + Y579W + A651P 90% PUG 138 43.0 P570Q + K627R + A651P 90% PUG 138 43.0 P570R + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 138 43.5 F20N + S616D + K627R + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 43.7 E408N + Q416D + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 138 44.4 F20P + A559N + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 44.4 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P 90% PUG 168 44.5 P570K + Y579W + Y934G 90% PUG 138 44.5 P570Q + K627R + Y934R 90% PUG 138 44.5 Q416S + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 168 44.7 A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + S636N + A651P 90% PUG 138 44.9 F20N + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + A651P 90% PUG 138 44.9 F20P + E53Y + A559N + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 46.2 K627R + S636N + Q416D + E408N + Q416S 90% PUG 138 46.2 P570K + Y579W + K927R 90% PUG 138 46.6 E408D + S636N + A651P + N441G 90% PUG 168 46.7 F20P + Q416D + K627R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 47.9 P570K + Y579W + Q416D 90% PUG 138 48.8 A559N + S560P + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 49.9 F20N + K627R + S636N + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 50.1 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 16 50.1 K921R F20N + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K627R + S636N + 90% PUG 138 52.1 A651P K512P + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 138 52.3 F20N + K627R + S636N + A651P + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 52.4 E408D + S636N + A651P + I575V 90% PUG 168 52.7 F20N + S616D + K627R + S636N + S642N + K921R + 90% PUG 138 52.9 Y934G P570K + Y579W + S636N 90% PUG 138 53.6 E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 16 54.1 A559N + P570S + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 55.3 A559N + S560P + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 55.5 E408S + A559N + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 55.7 P570K + Y579W + K627M 90% PUG 138 55.9 E408D + S636N + A651P + A924D 90% PUG 168 56.5 E408D + Y579W 90% PUG 16 56.5 E408N + Q416D + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 57.3 A559N + P570T + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 58.0 E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G 90% PUG 168 58.1 P570Q + E408D 90% PUG 138 58.4 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H 90% PUG 168 58.5 E408N + K627R + S636N 90% PUG 138 58.8 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + T887S + S636K 90% PUG 168 59.9 E408D + S636N + A651P + T883R + Q956Y 90% PUG 168 60.4 E408D + S636N + A651P + N216D 90% PUG 168 60.5 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Y934R + 90% PUG 138 60.7 A937E + K939V F20N + E408D + Q416S + A559N + Y579W + S616D + 90% PUG 138 60.9 K921R E408D + Q416S + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + 90% PUG 138 61.2 Y934G A559N + P570R + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 61.8 E408D + Y934G 90% PUG 138 61.8 F20P + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A937E 90% PUG 168 62.1 E408D + S636N + A651P + K720H 90% PUG 168 62.1 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 168 63.2 T883R E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Q298E 90% PUG 138 63.5 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Y934R + 90% PUG 138 63.7 A937E + K939V E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + S560P 90% PUG 168 63.8 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + S636K 90% PUG 168 63.8 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 64.9 K921R + Y934G + A885Q E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 168 65.1 K627R + S636N + Q416D + E408N + Y579W 90% PUG 138 66.2 E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + F638I + A885F + 90% PUG 138 66.3 K921R E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + V926P 90% PUG 168 66.5 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 66.6 A937E + K939V E408D + A559N + P570A + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 138 67.0 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + D635A 90% PUG 138 67.6 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R 90% PUG 138 67.7 S17A + F20P + Q416D + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 138 68.0 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + S560P 90% PUG 138 69.1 E408N + Q416D + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 138 69.5 F20N + E408D + Q416S + A559N + Y579W + S616D + 90% PUG 138 70.3 K921R + Y934G A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + Q416S 90% PUG 168 70.3 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + E408N + S17A + F20P 90% PUG 138 70.5 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 168 71.6 K921R + Y934G + Y884H E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 71.9 A559N + P570Q + Y579W + K627R 90% PUG 138 72.1 E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 72.1 F20N + P570K + Y579W 90% PUG 138 72.9 A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + Q416D 90% PUG 168 72.9 A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + F20P 90% PUG 168 74.9 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + V756Y 90% PUG 168 75.4 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 75.9 K921R + Y934G + A885F E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + I403Y 90% PUG 168 76.1 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 76.2 K921R + Y934G + Q834E E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + S313D 90% PUG 138 76.2 E408D + K451S + A651P 90% PUG 138 76.2 E408D + S636N + A651P + H182Y 90% PUG 138 76.6 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + V603P 90% PUG 138 77.8 E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 138 77.9 Y579W + A937E 90% PUG 138 77.9 E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + K627R + K921R + 90% PUG 138 78.0 Y934G E408D + S636N + A651P + K631R 90% PUG 138 78.2 A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + K627R 90% PUG 168 78.7 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + S17A + F20P + E408N + 90% PUG 138 79.1 Q416D E53Y + Y55M + E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + 90% PUG 138 80.1 K921R + Y934G E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + T697G + 90% PUG 138 80.1 F20N E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + V881Q 90% PUG 168 80.1 E408D + S636N + A651P + T999R 90% PUG 138 81.0 E408D + A651P 90% PUG 138 81.1 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + K921R 90% PUG 138 81.6 E408D + Q416D + A559N + P570R + Y579W + K921R + 90% PUG 138 82.3 Y934G E408D + Y579W + Q834E 90% PUG 138 82.5 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 82.7 A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + A651P 90% PUG 138 83.2 E408D + S636N + A651P + F1048W 90% PUG 138 83.3 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + Y579W 90% PUG 168 83.9 E408D + A559N + P570Q + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 84.1 E408D + S636N + A651P + R880K 90% PUG 138 84.1 F20P + E408D + Y579W + A937E 90% PUG 138 84.2 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 84.5 K921R + A1037E E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + 90% PUG 138 84.5 A885Q E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + T883R 90% PUG 138 84.7 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + K627R 90% PUG 168 85.1 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 85.3 T999R E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + Q834E 90% PUG 138 85.5 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + S17A + F20P + Y934R 90% PUG 138 87.1 E408D + S636N + A651P 90% PUG 138 87.6 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + S17A + F20P + I602T 90% PUG 138 87.6 E408D + S636N + A651P + Q298E 90% PUG 138 88.0 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + A559N 90% PUG 168 88.1 E408D + S636N + A651P + V926P 90% PUG 138 88.9 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 88.9 K921R + Y934G + S636K E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + A651P + K921R + 90% PUG 138 89.0 Y934G E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + V756Y 90% PUG 138 89.5 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + S17A + F20P + I602T + V603P 90% PUG 138 89.5 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 90.6 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + S636K 90% PUG 138 90.8 E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 138 90.9 S616D + K921R + Y934G + A651P + A885F E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 91.1 K921R + Y934G + S17A E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 91.5 K921R + Y934G E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + T697G + V756Y + 90% PUG 138 91.5 K921R E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + S17A + F20P 90% PUG 168 93.5 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K627R + K921R + 90% PUG 138 93.9 Y934G A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + E408D 90% PUG 168 94.3 E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + K921R 90% PUG 168 94.7 E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + A937E + 90% PUG 138 95.0 K939V E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + T883R 90% PUG 168 95.0 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + S17A + F20P 90% PUG 138 95.0 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 95.5 K921R F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 95.9 I302D E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + R880K 90% PUG 138 96.7 F20P + E408D + Q416S + A559N + S560P + P570R + 90% PUG 168 97.7 Y579W + K627R + K921R + Y934R F20P + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 138 98.0 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 168 98.1 K921R + Y934G + A937E + K939V E408D + S636N + A651P + T883K 90% PUG 138 98.5 N18G + A71E + L226K + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 90% PUG 168 98.5 A688G + V756Y + T887S E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 101.3 K921R + Y934R + A937E + K939V E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 90% PUG 138 102.0 K921R E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + 90% PUG 138 102.2 A651P F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 102.2 R880K A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + E408N 90% PUG 138 102.9 E408D + Y579W + A651P 90% PUG 138 103.7 P570K + Y579W + Q416D + S17A + F20P + A651P 90% PUG 138 103.7 F20P + E408D + Q416D + A559N + S560P + P570R + Y579W + 90% PUG 168 103.8 K627R + S636N + F638I + K921R + Y934R E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + T697G + K921R 90% PUG 138 104.1 F20P + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E 90% PUG 168 105.4 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + K921R + 90% PUG 138 106.4 N933S + Y934R + A937E + V938I + K939V + N941S + A942P F20P + E408D + Y579W + A651P 90% PUG 138 106.9 K51Q + E408D + Y579W + A651P 90% PUG 138 109.7 A559N + Y579W + P570K + Y934R + Q683E 90% PUG 138 109.9 F20P + E408D + Q416D + A559N + S560P + P570Q + 90% PUG 168 109.9 Y579W + K627R + K921R + Y934G E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 168 110.9 S616D + A651P + K921R + Y934G E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + 90% PUG 138 111.8 V881T E408D + A559N + Y579W + S636N + Q683E + K921R + 90% PUG 138 112.7 Y934G E408D + S636N + A651P + V756Y 90% PUG 138 113.4 F20P + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A937E 90% PUG 168 113.9 E408D + S636N + A651P + A885Q 90% PUG 138 114.4 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + T883K 90% PUG 168 118.9 F20P + E408D + Q416S + A559N + S560P + P570R + 90% PUG 168 121.5 Y579W + K627R + S636N + F638I + K921R + Y934G E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P 90% PUG 138 122.1 E408D + S636N + A651P + T697G + T883R 90% PUG 168 123.5 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + R880K 90% PUG 168 124.3 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + R880K 90% PUG 168 124.5 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 125.1 T697G + Y55M E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 138 125.4 S616D + K921R + Y934G S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 127.3 Y934G F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 127.7 T887S E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + Y579W 90% PUG 168 129.7 E408D + S636N + A651P + S313D 90% PUG 138 132.5 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + V881T 90% PUG 138 135.9 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + T887S 90% PUG 138 138.8 E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + 90% PUG 168 139.5 K921R + Y934G E408D + S636N + A651P + T697G 90% PUG 138 140.2 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + I602T + V603P 90% PUG 168 140.7 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + 90% PUG 138 141.8 I602T + V603P E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 138 142.7 S616D + K921R + Y934G + A651P + Y884H F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 143.9 V756Y E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + A885Q 90% PUG 168 144.7 S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 150.2 Y934G + S636K F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 150.6 T697G + T887K F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + 90% PUG 138 151.1 T697G + A885Q E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + R880K 90% PUG 138 151.2 S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 151.5 Y934G + V881Q I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 90% PUG 168 152.0 R880K + Y934Q S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 153.5 Y934G + L888M S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 154.1 Y934G + S560P I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 90% PUG 168 154.9 R880K + K744Q + N848D + A868E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + 90% PUG 168 155.5 T887K + A937E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + 90% PUG 168 156.2 A937E + A885Q E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + 90% PUG 138 156.9 Y934G S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 157.2 Y934G + T887K E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + V881Q 90% PUG 138 157.6 E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G + A283D 90% PUG 168 162.3 S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + N905D + 90% PUG 168 163.7 T825G A559N + Y579W + A688G + V756Y + K921R + Y934G 90% PUG 168 164.8 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + Y934Q 90% PUG 168 165.3 S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A 90% PUG 168 166.2 E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + N848D + 90% PUG 168 168.9 A868E E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G + D476R 90% PUG 168 169.4 I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 90% PUG 168 171.5 R880K + V756H S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 90% PUG 168 172.3 Y934G + S636N E408D + Q416D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 90% PUG 138 176.9 S616D + K921R + Y934G + A651P + T887S S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + N848D 90% PUG 168 178.3 E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + V756Y 90% PUG 168 181.5 E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + T697G 90% PUG 168 204.0

TABLE 12 Variants of the mature parent GH9 endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 2) with corresponding half-life improvement factors (HIF) measured at a temperature of 30° C. PUG (detergent Incubation Alterations compared to reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) concentration) time (hrs) HIF Reference (SEQ ID NO: 2) 1 E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934R + A937E + K939V 95% PUG 168 72.0 E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934R + A937E + V938I + 95% PUG 168 74.7 K939V + N941S + A942P E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S 95% PUG 168 80.0 E408D + Y579W + A937E + F20P + Q683E 95% PUG 168 82.7 E408D + S636N + A651P + A283D 95% PUG 336 91.3 E408D + S636N + A651P + N18G 95% PUG 336 91.3 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + S17A + F20P 95% PUG 168 91.3 E408D + S636N + A651P + A346D 95% PUG 336 96.7 E408D + S636N + A651P + A71E + A120P + A186P + D247N 95% PUG 168 102.4 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + Q683E + K921R + Y934G 95% PUG 168 112.7 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Y934Q 95% PUG 168 113.3 E408D + S636N + A651P + T872G 95% PUG 336 116.7 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + T883R 95% PUG 168 120.0 F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + T697G + K921R + Y934G 95% PUG 168 122.0 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + R880K + N216D 95% PUG 336 125.3 E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + K921R + 95% PUG 168 129.5 Y934G + Q683E E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + R880K + F20P 95% PUG 336 139.2 E408D + S636N + A651P + N848D 95% PUG 336 141.7 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + R880K + I302D 95% PUG 336 148.8 E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + K921R + 95% PUG 672 152.9 Y934G + K51Q F20N + E408D + A559N + Y579W + K921R + Y934G + T697G + 95% PUG 168 156.0 K512P E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + Q416S + R880K + Y884H 95% PUG 336 156.9 N18G + A120P + E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G + V756Y 95% PUG 672 161.5 E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + S313D 95% PUG 750 161.7 N18G + A71E + A186P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 161.7 A688G + V756Y E408D + S636N + A651P + V756H + T697G 95% PUG 672 164.9 E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + T883R + V756Y 95% PUG 750 167.6 F20P + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + V926F 95% PUG 336 168.4 E408D + A559N + Y579W + S616D + K921R + T697G + I602T 95% PUG 672 168.9 N216D + I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 170.3 A688G + R880K + V890R + N905D E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + N848D + R880K + 95% PUG 168 172.6 K921R + Y934G N18G + N189K + E408D + A559N + Y579W + A688G + T697G + 95% PUG 750 175.7 V756Y + K921R + Y934G E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + V756Y + R880K + 95% PUG 672 181.0 K921R + Y934G + P570R S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + 95% PUG 750 182.5 K921R + Y934G E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + T883R + N848D 95% PUG 750 183.1 E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 672 183.3 K921R + Y934G + A283D E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 672 183.3 K921R + Y934G + A885Q E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 750 183.4 K921R + Y934G S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 95% PUG 750 183.7 Y934G + S313D E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + K921R + 95% PUG 672 183.8 Y934G + Y55D E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + K921R + 95% PUG 672 184.0 Y934G + N848D S313D + I302D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 186.3 R880K + K921R + Y934G N18G + A186P + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 186.8 A688G + V756Y E408D + Y579W + A651P + I602T + T883R + A688G 95% PUG 750 188.3 E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + T697G + T883R 95% PUG 672 189.9 N18G + E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G + T697G + V756Y 95% PUG 750 190.9 N18G + E408D + A559N + Y579W + I602T + V603P + S616D + 95% PUG 672 196.2 T697G + V756Y + K921R + T999R F20N + A346D + E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 197.8 S636N + A651P + T697G + V756Y + A824D + A885N + K921R + Y934G F20N + E408D + Q489P + K512P + A559N + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 198.0 A651P + T697G + V756Y + A885N + K921R + Y934G + A937E E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + K921R + 95% PUG 672 200.7 Y934G + V756Y E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 672 200.8 K921R + Y934G + N848D S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G 95% PUG 672 202.0 E408D + S636N + A651P + A688G + N848D + V881Q + N905D 95% PUG 168 202.3 F20N + E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + T697G + K921R + 95% PUG 336 202.3 Y934G + A651P F20P + Y55M + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + 95% PUG 672 202.8 A937E I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + R880K + 95% PUG 672 204.5 T697G N18G + A186P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 750 204.5 V756Y + V881T S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 95% PUG 672 205.5 Y934G + A688G I302D + S313D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 206.3 A688G + R880K + T892V + N905D + Q912V E408D + S636N + A651P + T697G + S313D 95% PUG 672 206.6 F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 672 207.3 V603P F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 672 207.5 T887S E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 672 207.9 K921R + Y934G + A885N I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 750 212.4 R880K E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + V756Y + R880K + 95% PUG 168 214.2 K921R + Y934G E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + A688G + K720H + 95% PUG 672 214.9 R880K + K921R + Y934G I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 215.5 W719R + R880K + N905D + F1048W K51Q + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + 95% PUG 672 216.0 K921R + Y934G I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 222.1 W719R + R880K + N905D + F1048W I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 224.2 V881Q + K921R Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 224.3 A651P + K720H + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + Q912V + K921R + Y934R F20P + S313D + E408D + V567P + Y579W + S636K + A651P + 95% PUG 672 224.6 T697G + N848D + T883R + A937E + Q956Y + F1048W F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 672 226.1 T883C S313D + A346D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 230.5 T697G + N848D + R880K + A885N + K921R + Y934G E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + R880K + N905D + 95% PUG 672 231.7 K921R + Y934G + A688G E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + V756Y + R880K + 95% PUG 672 232.3 K921R + Y934G + N848D I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 232.9 V881Q + K921R F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 672 235.3 A885N F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 750 236.9 E53Y F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 750 238.2 R880K S17A + F20P + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + F906A + 95% PUG 750 240.0 Y934G + T697G Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 243.1 A651P + K720H + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934R S313D + E408D + S560P + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 244.9 W719R + V756Y + T825G + N848D + A869V + D870V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934G F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E + 95% PUG 750 247.1 T883V S313D + E408D + S560P + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 250.9 W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + D870V + R880K + K921R + Y934G I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 253.3 R880K + N905D F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + A937E 95% PUG 336 253.9 E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + V756Y + R880K + 95% PUG 672 254.7 K921R + Y934G + S313D E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + N848D + T883R 95% PUG 672 255.1 S17A + F20P + N216D + I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 257.1 I602T + A651P + W719R + T883R + F906A + Y934G + Q956Y I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 257.7 R880K + N905D + K921R S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + T697G + 95% PUG 672 258.5 R880K + K921R + Y934G I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 259.4 V881Q + N905D + K921R I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 263.5 V881Q + N905D + K921R E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + N848D + T883R + 95% PUG 672 268.3 M980I S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + T697G + 95% PUG 672 272.3 R880K + K921R + Y934G S313D + E408D + S560P + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 272.7 W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + D870V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934G N216Q + I302D + H311N + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 275.1 A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + R880K + N905D + Q912V F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + N848D + 95% PUG 750 285.8 T887K + A937E S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + T697G + 95% PUG 672 288.9 R880K + K921R + Y934G Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 289.4 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R F20N + E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 290.1 T697G + V756Y + K921R + Y934G Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 291.9 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R A283D + S313D + E408D + A559P + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 292.7 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + D870V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 293.3 T697G + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E S313D + E408D + S560P + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 295.1 W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + D870V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 299.4 T697G + V756Y + T887K + F906A + A937E S17A + F20P + N216D + A283D + H311N + E408D + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 300.1 I602T + A651P + A688G + T883R + F906A + Y934G + Q956Y Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + A559P + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 303.3 F638N + A651P + T697G + W719R + N848D + R880K + K921R + Y934G + A937E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + N848D + 95% PUG 750 304.5 T887K + A937E + G1041R F20P + S313D + E408D + V567P + Y579W + S636K + T697G + 95% PUG 672 307.5 N848D + A937E + Q956Y F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 309.7 T697G + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 317.0 W719R + R880K + N905D + F1048W S17A + F20P + N216D + A283D + H311N + E408D + S560P + 95% PUG 672 319.1 Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + T883R + F906A + Q912V + Y934G + Q956Y Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 321.6 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934R F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + N848D + 95% PUG 672 325.9 A937E + Q956Y F20N + Y55M + H311N + E408D + K512P + A559N + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 338.4 A651P + T697G + N848D + K921R + Y934G Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 338.5 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 342.9 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 345.3 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + A885N + K921R + Y934R Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 345.9 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934R Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 348.9 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + T697G + 95% PUG 672 349.6 N848D + R880K + K921R + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 351.2 A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + V881T + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + T697G + N848D + 95% PUG 672 353.7 A937E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S616G + S636K + T697G + 95% PUG 672 356.3 W719R + T883V + N905D + A937E Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 364.7 A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934R F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + T697G + 95% PUG 672 365.7 V881Q + N905D + K921R + A937E I302D + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + A651P + A688G + 95% PUG 672 367.3 W719R + K720H + R880K + N905D + F1048W Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 367.5 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + T697G + 95% PUG 672 375.4 N905D + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 376.0 T697G + W719R + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 387.3 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + N905D + K921R + Y934R A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + 95% PUG 672 396.0 T697G + K720H + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + A885Q + K921R + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 406.2 T697G + W719R + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + T697G + 95% PUG 672 409.6 W719R + A885N + N905D + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 410.3 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 168 411.7 A651P + K720H + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + K921R + Y934R F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + 95% PUG 672 412.1 T697G + W719R + N905D + A937E N216D + I302D + H311N + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 424.0 A651P + A688G + W719R + A869V + R880K + V890R + N905D Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 426.7 F638N + A651P + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + R880K + A885N + N905D + K921R + Y934R F20P + N216Q + I302D + S313D + E408D + V567P + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 434.7 A651P + T697G + W719R + N848D + T883R + N905D + A937E + Q956Y + F1048W F20P + K51Q + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + A559N + 95% PUG 672 440.1 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 442.1 T697G + W719R + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E N216Q + I302D + H311N + E408D + Q416S + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 450.7 A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + R880K + N905D + Q912V F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + 95% PUG 672 452.1 T697G + W719R + A885N + N905D + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + A559N + 95% PUG 720 452.5 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 471.0 Y579W + S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E + F1048W Y55M + A283D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 471.7 A651P + Y690F + T697G + W719R + V756Y + R880K + K921R + Y934G + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + Q489P + 95% PUG 720 472.1 A559P + Y579W + I602T + V603P + F638N + A651P + T697G + W719R + K744H + A824D + N848D + R880K + V881T + F906A + Q912V + K921R + Y934G + A937E + K948R + Q956Y + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + S636K + A688G + 95% PUG 672 472.2 T697G + W719R + N905D + A937E N216D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 95% PUG 720 492.4 F638N + A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + V756H + T825G + N833D + A869V + R880K + T887K + K921R + S928D + Y934G + N941S + K948R F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 498.5 A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + V881T + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 505.4 S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E + T999R + A1037E F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 507.2 S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E + T999R + F1048W N216Q + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + F638N + 95% PUG 672 521.0 A651P + T697G + W719R + R880K + T887K + K921R + Y934G S17A + F20P + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + A651P + 95% PUG 672 524.6 T697G + W719R + N848D + T883R + F906A + Y934G + Q956Y + T999R F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + S636K + 95% PUG 672 526.8 T697G + W719R + V756Y + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E + T999R + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636N + 95% PUG 672 531.0 T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + F906A + S928D + A937E N216D + S313D + E408D + D476R + A564E + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 720 552.6 F638N + A651P + Y690F + T697G + W719R + V756H + N833D + A869V + R880K + V881T + T887K + K921R + S928D + Y934G + T999R F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 557.2 T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + V881Q + T887K + N905D + F906A + Q912V + A937E + T999R + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + S636K + 95% PUG 672 558.6 T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + V881Q + T887K + F906A + Q912V + A937E + T999R + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 565.9 S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + A386P + E408D + Q489P + 95% PUG 720 588.5 A559P + Y579W + I602T + V603P + F638N + A651P + T697G + W719R + Q834E + N848D + R880K + V881T + T892P + F906A + Q912V + K921R + Y934G + A937E + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Q489P + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 720 591.8 S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + N905D + F906A + S928D + A937E + T999R + A1037E + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 592.0 V603P + S636K + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + A869V + V881Q + T887K + F906A + Q912V + A937E + F1048W F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + S636K + 95% PUG 672 592.7 A688G + T697G + W719R + V756Y + V881T + N905D + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Q416S + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 597.1 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N833D + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + A559P + Y579W + 95% PUG 720 604.2 I602T + V603P + F638N + A651P + T697G + W719R + N833D + N848D + R880K + V881T + F906A + Q912V + K921R + Y934G + A937E + N941S + T999R F20P + A186P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 616.5 Y579W + A599S + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E Y55M + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + A559P + Y579W + 95% PUG 720 622.2 I602T + V603P + F638N + A651P + T697G + W719R + N848D + A869V + R880K + V881T + F906A + Q912V + K921R + Y934G + A937E N216D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + V603P + 95% PUG 720 622.4 F638N + A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + V756H + R880K + T887K + K921R + S928D + Y934G + K948R F20P + A283D + I302D + S313D + E408D + Y579W + I602T + S636K + 95% PUG 672 624.4 A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + V756Y + T887K + N905D A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 629.5 I602T + T697G + W719R + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E + T999R F20P + K51Q + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 639.6 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 644.4 Y579W + S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E + T999R F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 655.2 I602T + S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + N905D + F906A + A937E + T999R + A1037E + F1048W F20P + Q289E + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 720 658.0 A559P + Y579W + I602T + S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + R880K + V881Q + T887K + N905D + F906A + S928D + Y934G + T999R + A1037E + F1048W F20P + K51Q + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 658.2 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E + A1037E N216D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + A559P + 95% PUG 720 662.8 Y579W + I602T + F638N + A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + V756H + R880K + T887K + K921R + S928D + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + A346D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 663.4 Y579W + I602T + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + A937E N216D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + A559P + Y579W + 95% PUG 720 679.1 I602T + F638N + A651P + A688G + T697G + W719R + V756H + Q834E + R880K + T887K + T892P + K921R + S928D + Y934G F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + A559N + 95% PUG 672 693.2 Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Q489P + Y579W + 95% PUG 672 701.7 I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + Q416S + D476R + Q489P + 95% PUG 672 719.6 A559N + Y579W + I602T + S636K + A651P + T697G + W719R + V756Y + N848D + T883R + T887K + F906A + A937E F20P + I302D + S313D + E408D + D476R + Y579W + I602T + 95% PUG 672 769.2 S636N + T697G + W719R + V756Y + A824D + N848D + V881Q + T887K + F906A + S928D + A937E + T999R + F1048W 

1. An endoglucanase variant, comprising an alteration at one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 2. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said chelator-induced instability region has one or more of the following features: i) in the presence of a chelator is less conformationally stable than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or ii) in the presence of a chelator is more exposed to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or iii) in the presence of a chelator is more accessible to said chelator than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or iv) in the presence of a chelator is more conformationally dynamic than one or more or all of its adjacent regions; and/or v) in the presence of a chelator is more receptive to deuterium incorporation than one or more or all of its adjacent regions.
 3. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said variant further comprises an alteration in an adjacent region, said adjacent region is selected from the group consisting of: i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 4. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said variant has sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 5. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 4, 17, 18, 20, 51, 53, 55, 56, 60, 63, 71, 79, 87, 92, 99, 120, 125, 126, 130, 137, 182, 186, 189, 192, 213, 216, 221, 226, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 240, 243, 247, 249, 278, 279, 281, 283, 285, 289, 292, 294, 298, 302, 311, 313, 333, 346, 353, 358, 386, 387, 388, 390, 403, 408, 410, 416, 441, 448, 451, 471, 472, 476, 489, 507, 512, 515, 538, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 567, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 595, 598, 599, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609, 616, 627, 630, 631, 635, 636, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 651, 676, 683, 688, 690, 694, 698, 699, 706, 711, 713, 1719, 720, 744, 749, 754, 756, 760, 781, 786, 797, 810, 811, 812, 815, 823, 824, 825, 827, 828, 833, 834, 835, 837, 843, 848, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 880, 881, 883, 884, 885, 887, 888, 890, 892, 894, 898, 905, 906, 912, 920, 921, 924, 926, 927, 928, 932, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 946, 948, 950, 952, 953, 954, 956, 957, 960, 966, 971, 972, 980, 989, 991, 994, 995, 998, 999, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1035, 1037, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1044, 1045, and 1048 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 6. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D,*558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and 1125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+5560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627 R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, and F1048W, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 7. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 17, 20, 216, 283, 302, 311, 313, 408, 476, 579, 602, 627, 636, 638, 651, 688, 697, 719, 756, 880, 881, 883, 887, 906, 921, 934, 937, and 956, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 8. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: 517A, F20P, N216D, N216Q, A283D, I302D, H311N, S313D, E408D, D476R, Y579W, I602T, K627R, S636N, S636K F638I, F638N, A651P, A688G, T697G, W719R, V756Y, R880K, V881Q, T883R, T887K, F906A, K921R, Y934G, A937E, and Q956Y, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 9. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1 wherein said endoglucanase variant has activity on xanthan gum pretreated with xanthan lyase, preferably said activity is a xanthan gum degrading activity, further preferably said xanthan gum degrading activity is endoglucanase EC 3.2.1.4 activity.
 10. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said variant has an improved stability in a detergent composition compared to a parent endoglucanase having SEQ ID NO:
 2. 11. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said variant has an improved half-life as compared to the parent endoglucanase, or compared to the wild-type endoglucanase.
 12. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 11, wherein said variant has a half-life of a least 1.5 hours when measured at a temperature of 25° C. and a detergent concentration of 90%.
 13. The endoglucanase variant according to claim 1 wherein said variant has a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0.
 14. A composition comprising at least one endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said composition is a detergent composition.
 15. A composition comprising at least one endoglucanase variant according to claim 1, wherein said composition is not a detergent composition.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A method for obtaining or producing an endoglucanase variant, comprising introducing into a parent endoglucanase with SEQ ID NO: 2 an alteration at one or more positions in a chelator-induced instability region selected from the group consisting of: i) region 1 corresponding to amino acids 95 to 105 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii) region 2 corresponding to amino acids 115 to 138 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii) region 3 corresponding to amino acids 210 to 251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv) region 4 corresponding to amino acids 267 to 301 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v) region 5 corresponding to amino acids 339 to 361 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi) region 6 corresponding to amino acids 547 to 595 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii) region 7 corresponding to amino acids 612 to 660 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii) region 8 corresponding to amino acids 806 to 828 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and ix) region 9 corresponding to amino acids 839 to 1042 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said variant has at least 60% and less than 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, and optionally, recovering said variant.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said method further comprises the step of introducing a further alteration in one or more positions in a region selected from the group consisting of: i′) region 10 corresponding to amino acids 1 to 94 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ii′) region 11 corresponding to amino acids 106 to 114 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iii′) region 12 corresponding to amino acids 139 to 209 of SEQ ID NO: 2, iv′) region 13 corresponding to amino acids 252 to 266 of SEQ ID NO: 2, v′) region 14 corresponding to amino acids 302 to 338 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vi′) region 15 corresponding to amino acids 362 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 2, vii′) region 16 corresponding to amino acids 596 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 2, viii′) region 17 corresponding to amino acids 661 to 805 of SEQ ID NO: 2, ix′) region 18 corresponding to amino acids 829 to 838 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and x′) region 19 corresponding to amino acids 1043 to 1055 of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of: N285G, W333L, T353D, *558aP, N558F, T633V, D635L, D635M, D635T, F638Y, T639D, G994N, and K281T, G563E, I575M, I575A, K921D, N558K+A559K+S560F+T561P+G562W, N558K, A559K, S560F, T561P, G562W and 1125V, A126R, K130R, K213R, A221R, K228E, K228I, G230F, G230L, G230A, G230H, G230N, G230W, G230T, F231Y, F231N, V232R, V232G, H235D, N240Q, G243K, G243R, A249N, A278S, K281F, K281V, K281Y, K281H, K281Q, K281N, K281W, N285L, N285M, N285S, N285P, N285T, N285Y, N285H, N285K, N285D, N285W, N285R, T292F, T292L, T292I, T292V, T292S, T292P, T292Y, T292Q, T292N, T292K, T292D, T292G, F297L, A346H, G556S, N558D, N558M, N558Q, N558I, N558Y, N558H, A559N, A559F, A559M, A559P, A559Y, A559H, A559Q, A559D, A559R, A559G, A559I, A559S, S560P, S560K, S560G, S560D, T561P, T561E, T561Q, T561S, T561D, A564I, A564Y, A564H, A564Q, A564K, A564E, E565M, V567F, K568R, L569F, L569Y, L569D, L569E, P570F, P570L, P570I, P570M, P570V, P570S, P570T, P570A, P570Y, P570H, P570Q, P570N, P570K, P570E, P570W, P570R, P570G, I575D, I575E, I576F, I576M, I576P, D578R, Y579F, Y579W, V580L, D583M, Q589G, P590S, P590T, P590E, E591L, G592D, S593P, S593H, S593Q, S593N, S593K, S593D, S593E, S593R, S616D, K627L, K627M, K627V, K627S, K627T, K627Q, K627R, I630F, I630V, I630Y, D635A, D635P, D635N, D635K, D635E, D635G, D635W, S636L, S636M, S636A, S636H, S636Q, S636N, S636K, S636R, F638I, F638V, F638T, F638L, F638H, T639V, T639S, T639L, T639I, T639M, T639A, T639E, T639W, T639G, Y641E, S642T, S642N, N643D, N643H, N643T, T644F, A651P, S810R, A811S, V812F, V812I, V812M, V812W, V812R, N815V, N815Y, N815E, N815W, N815R, S823Q, A824T, T825N, T825W, T825A, T825D, V827I, V827M, V827S, T843V, D870F, D870L, D870I, D870M, D870V, D870S, D870T, D870Y, D870H, D870Q, D870N, D870K, D870E, D870W, D870R, D870G, P871F, P871L, P871I, P871M, P871V, P871S, P871T, P871A, P871Y, P871H, P871Q, T872S, T872F, T872A, T872Y, T872H, T872Q, T872N, T872K, T872D, T872E, T872W, T872R, T872G, D873K, D873E, T874V, T874S, T874P, T874A, T874H, T874Q, T874N, T874K, V881Q, T883K, Y884H, A885F, A885Q, A885N, T887L, T887I, T887S, T887H, T887R, K894E, N920D, K921R, K921E, T932A, N933V, N933S, Y934G, Y934M, Y934S, Y934A, Y934Q, Y934N, Y934E, Y934W, Y934R, T935W, A937F, A937V, A937S, A937T, A937Q, A937D, A937E, V938I, K939I, K939V, D940E, N941S, N941H, N941D, A942P, A942E, D943Y, D943H, R950V, R950H, R950N, F952S, F952W, N953Y, G954L, Y960F, A964N, A964C, N966P, N966C, G971A, Q974K, Q974C, Q989I, Q991L, Q991I, Q991M, Q991V, Q991T, Q991K, Q991C, S995I, S995V, S995Q, S995R, S995C, G998V, G998A, S1006T, S1006A, S1006K, S1006R, Y1010W, L1011M, L1011S, L1011A, L1011Q, L1011N, L1011D, L1011E, R1029N, F1030M, K1031I, K1031S, K1031T, K1031H, V1032G, K1035A, A1037E, A1037W, S1038L, S10381, L1040N, L1040E, G1041F, L1044F, L1044S, L1044N, L1044W, P1045Q, P1045W, and A559N+Y579F, A559N, Y579F, A564E+Y579F, A564E, Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N, Y579W, G562P+Y579W, G562P, Y579W, A564D+Y579W, A564D, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K99R, A559N, Y579W, K99R, A559N+Y579W+K281R, A559N, Y579W, K281R, K281R+A559N+Y579W, K281R, A559N, Y579W, A559N+Y579W+S616D, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N, Y579W, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K948E, A559N, Y579W, K948E, A559N+Y579W+K1009E, A559N, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K627R, Y579W+K921R, Y579W, K921R, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K99R+Y579W, K99R, Y579W, Y579W+A651P, Y579W, A651P, Y579W+K948E, Y579W, K948E, Y579W+K1009E, Y579W, K1009E, A559N+Y579W+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+K627M, A559N, Y579W, K627M, A559N+Y579W+K627R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K627R, S616D, A559N+Y579F+K627R, A559N, Y579F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+A651P, A559N, Y579W, K921R, A651P, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636K, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636K, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S616D, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S616D, A559N+Y579W+K921R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+K921R+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, K921R, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+S636N+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S636N, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+A651P, A559N, Y579W, S616D, A651P, A559N+Y579W+S616D+S636K, A559N, Y579W, S616D, S636K, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, S616D, K921R, Y934G, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627M, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627M, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S636K, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S636K, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K627R+S636N, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K627R, S636N, A559N+Y579W+A651P+S616D, A559N, Y579W, A651P, S616D, A559N+Y579W+A651P+K921R+Y934G, A559N, Y579W, A651P, K921R, Y934G, S636N+Y934G, S636N, Y934G, S636N+K921R, S636N, K921R, S636N+K627R, S636N, K627R, S636N+Y579W, S636N, Y579W, F638I+Y934G, F638I, Y934G, F638I+K921R, F638I, K921R, F638I+K627R, F638I, K627R, F638I+Y579W, F638I, Y579W, K627R+K51Q, K627R, K51Q, K627R+K451S, K627R, K451S, K627R+A559N, K627R, A559N, K627R+Y579W, K627R, Y579W, Y579W+Y934G, Y579W, Y934G, A651P+F638I, A651P, F638I, P570Q+A651P, P570Q, A651P, P570Q+K921R, P570Q, K921R, P570Q+K627R, P570Q, K627R, P570Q+A559N, P570Q, A559N, P570Q+Y579W, P570Q, Y579W, P570Q+F638I, P570Q, F638I, P570K+Y579W, P570K, Y579W, P570K+F638I, P570K, F638I, P570T+A651P, P570T, A651P, P570T+S636N, P570T, S636N, P570T+Y934G, P570T, Y934G, P570T+F638I, P570T, F638I, P570T+K921R, P570T, K921R, P570T+K627R, P570T, K627R, P570T+A559N, P570T, A559N, P570T+A885F, P570T, A885F, A885F+Y934G, A885F, Y934G, A885F+K627R, A885F, K627R, A559N+Y579W+S636L, A559N, Y579W, S636L, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N, Y579W, F638I, A559N+Y579W+D870M, D870M, A559N+Y579W+S560P, S560P, A559N+Y579W+A564I, A564I, A559N+Y579W+P570N, P570N, A559N+Y579W+P570K, P570K, A559N+Y579W+P570R, P570R, A559N+Y579W+P570A, P570A, A559N+Y579W+P570T, P570T, A559N+Y579W+P570S, P570S, A559N+Y579W+P570Q, P570Q, A559N+Y579W+P570H, P570H, and N558E, A559P, A559N, A559H, T561P, A564E, P570A, P570Q, P570R, P570S, P570K, P570T, P570N, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, S636N, S636Q, S636R, S636K, S636M, S636H, F638I, F638L, N643D, A651P, A651S, A885F, A885Q, K921R, Y934R, Y934G, N966C, L1011A, K1031I, and A559N+P570A+Y579W, A559N+P570H+Y579W, A559N+P570K+Y579W, A559N+P570N+Y579W, A559N+P570Q+Y579W, A559N+P570R+Y579W, A559N+P570S+Y579W, A559N+P570T+Y579W, A559N+S560P+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+A651P, A559N+Y579W+A651P+Y934G, A559N+Y579W+F638I, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S636N, A559N+Y579F, A559N+Y579W, A559N+Y579W+K921R, A559N+Y579W+S616D, F638I+Y934G, K627 R+S636N, K627R+Y934G, P570K+Y579W, Q416D+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Q416D, S128X+A559N+Y579W+K627R, S128X, S128X+A559N+Y579W+S636N, Y579W+S636N, V4T, S17A, N18G, F20P, F20N, F20G, F20Y, K51Q, K51H, E53Y, E53P, E53G, Y55M, Y55D, V56M, Y60F, S63F, A71E, S79W, T87R, T92S, A120P, N129D, F137L, H182Y, A186P, N189K, K192N, N216D, N216Q, N216R, L226K, G230H, L233H, D247N, G279E, K281R, A283D, N285D, N285G, Q289E, T292A, T292F, T292Y, A294V, Q298E, I302D, I302H, I302V, I302M, H311N, S313D, A346D, A386P, I387T, K388R, K390Q, I403Y, E408D, E408N, E408S, E408P, E408A, E408G, P410G, Q416S, Q416D, N441G, A448E, A448W, A448S, K451S, K451Q, G471S, S472Y, D476R, Q489P, K507R, K512P, S515V, S538C, L555Q, G557R, N558E, A559N, A559P, A559H, A559D, S560P, S560G, T561P, A564E, A564I, V567P, K568R, P570R, P570Q, P570K, P570A, P570T, P570G, P570S, P570H, P570N, I575V, Y579W, Y579F, T581M, S593N, S593E, S595L, S598Q, A599S, I602T, I602D, V603P, S605T, S607C, G609E, S616G, S616D, K627R, K627M, K627Q, K631R, K631A, D635A, D635E, D635M, D635N, D635L, D635W, S636N, S636K, S636L, S636Q, S636R, S636M, S636H, F638N, F638I, F638L, F638V, F638H, F638M, T639G, T639I, T639M, T639Y, T639W, T639P, T639E, T640S, S642N, S642T, N643D, N643H, A651P, A651S, D676H, Q683E, A688G, Y690F, T694A, T697G, R698W, T699A, T706Q, T711S, T711V, T711Y, K713R, W719R, K720H, K744H, K744Q, A749T, K754R, V756Y, V756H, S760G, T781M, N786K, T797S, S810Q, A824D, T825G, N828D, N833D, Q834E, S835A, S835D, V837I, N848D, A868E, A869V, D870V, T872G, T872H, T872W, T872Q, R880K, V881Q, V881T, T883R, T883V, T883C, T883K, Y884H, A885N, A885Q, A885F, T887K, T887S, L888M, V890R, T892P, T892V, R898Q, N905D, F906A, Q912V, N920P, K921R, A924D, V926F, V926P, K927R, S928D, T932A, N933S, N933V, Y934G, Y934R, Y934Q, A937E, V938I, K939V, N941S, A942P, G946R, K948R, Q956Y, Q956S, A957L, A957P, N966C, T972K, M980I, G994D, T999R, L1011A, K1031I, A1037E, S1038G, G1041R, Y1042N, and F1048W, preferably said alteration at one or more positions is selected from the group consisting of alterations in positions: S17A, F20P, N216D, N216Q, A283D, I302D, H311N, S313D, E408D, D476R, Y579W, I602T, K627R, S636N, S636K F638I, F638N, A651P, A688G, T697G, W719R, V756Y, R880K, V881Q, T883R, T887K, F906A, K921R, Y934G, A937E, and Q956Y, wherein numbering is according to SEQ ID NO:
 2. 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein said alteration at one or more positions provides a variant having a half-life of a least 1.5 hours when measured at a temperature of 25° C. and in a detergent concentration of 90%
 22. The method according to claim 18, wherein said alteration at one or more positions provides a variant having a half-life improvement factor (HIF) of >1.0. 